Introduction
Tees Valley Sport continues to change. In part it is the nature of the work we do but also the organisation has undergone many changes over the years and continues to do so.
Recently I read a book called "Who moved my cheese?" by Spencer Johnson. The book aims to show that change is inevitable and people must actively adapt to be successful in navigating both the mindset and behavioural challenges posed.
Book overview:
Four characters are the focus of the story. Sniff and Scurry are the two mice, and Hem and Haw are the two little people. They all live in a maze and must deal with and adapt to change when their supply of cheese is moved. The cheese represents life’s desires; money, a job, relationships, health etc.
Which character do you think you are?
· Sniff: sniffs out change early, anticipates and plans what might happen.
· Scurry: scurries into action, gets on with things and makes the best of it, reacting swiftly.
· Hem: resists and denies change because he fears something worse will happen.
· Haw: wants to know more and learns to adapt after time when he sees change leads to something better.
The maze represents the journey that we go through in life to find what we want or desire. The maze is the time that we spend looking for the “Cheese”
So what!?
Its not only important for us as an organisation to understand how we, as individuals, dela with change but also as a collective. Having empathy for the way others function, feel and move along the journey. Although this book suggests that this is all about achieving your own goals these concepts are easily transferred in to our work internally and externally.
We are going through change again and I am sure we will navigate this as we always have. But we are also the instigators of change, particularly in the place based approach work. Our aim is to influence system change at different levels so, understanding the different behaviours and how people cope and adapt to change is very important.
Understanding Change & Managing Reactions.
Sniff and Scurry express the power of being proactive and adaptable in the face of change, while Hem and Haw struggle with the negative effects of resistance and fear of change.
Having a positive attitude towards change can lead to; ○ Success ○ Promotion ○ Growth
We should be proactive in seeking new opportunities and to have a flexible mindset. Forward thinking is important and can be a powerful tool in being able to move forward, seek new opportunities and learn from failures but not dwell on them. Change is inevitable and trusting the process is crucial while also taking control of the controllable and not letting the uncontrollable control you.
Hem and Haw's behaviour in the story shows the different ways in which we can react to change. Each individual reacts to change differently. Some will be in denial, show resistance others will accept the change but still do nothing. Overall people need to take ownership and responsibility of their reactions to change and look to action improvements. Considering what can be done differently, is the reaction and overreaction or even an underreaction. Asking yourself whether the problem is you and you’re stuck without the tools to change, are you fearful of change?
Together Everyone Achieves More – is always a go to for things like this. It is important that there is a support system in place that is based on trust and communication. This helps everyone manage change better.
My take away
"Who Moved My Cheese?" is a valuable tool for people and organizations to navigate change and uncertainty in an ever-changing world.
Understanding and adapting to change, you can find a new and better source of “Cheese” in your life. Take control and be proactive in the face of change, instead of surrendering to fear and resistance.
We often talk about not be the “people like me” in the communities we serve. Having more empathy and understanding of personalities and mental processes will add value to the work we do in co-designing interventions and collaborations. Ultimately, we are preparing communities to thrive without our support and the initial steps to promoting and instilling change need to be sensitive and empathetic, fostering trust in us and the process. In my opinion this book and others like it open your eyes and mind to alternative thought processes.
Snippet from the book:
Change Happens – They keep moving the cheese
Anticipate Change – Get ready for the cheese to move
Monitor Change – Smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old
Adapt to change quickly – The quicker you let go of the old cheese the sooner you can enjoy the new cheese
Change – Move with the cheese
Enjoy Change – Savour the adventure and enjoy the taste of the new cheese
Be Ready to Change Quickly and enjoy it again and again – The cheese keeps moving
Topics in this article