Dealing with Change- Lessons from “Who Moved My Cheese” Pinellas Hope Training Program Prepared by Jim Messina, Ph.D. Prepared by Jim Messina, Ph.D. Center for Organizational and Relational Excellence ©2007

Who Are YOU as an Agent of Change? “Who Moved My Cheese” model Four personalities of handling change Importance of being proactive Ability to recognize change

The Maze of Change!

1st Set of Agents of Change: Sniff & Scurry SNIFF – Seeks change early SCURRY – Moves in to action quickly Two mice that were very active and ready for change once they entered the Maze They never got comfortable with their environment They were not afraid to explore the unknown They did not make false assumptions or over analyze

2nd Set of Agents of Change: Hem & Haw HEM – Denies change because it might lead to something worse HAW – Learns to adapt in time because he realizes it will lead to something better Two intelligent little people who can rationalize Their human tendencies made them become complacent and comfortable “Having cheese makes you happy.”

Hem & Haw’s Stuckness Their arrogance clouded their judgment – The cheese was their Security & Status They were unprepared for the changes happening around them “The more important your cheese is to you the more you want to hold on to it.”

Hem & Haw’s Flaws “If you do not change, you can become extinct.” They spent a lot of time over-analyzing and blaming each other They confused activity with productivity “If you do not change, you can become extinct.”

Haw Woke Up! Haw took action – he realized that they were never going to put yesterdays cheese back – It was time to find new cheese – IT WAS TIME TO MOVE ON! Haw was scared but it was manageable – he knew some fear was good

Haw Woke Up! “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” He imagined finding the cheese to help overcome his fears Haw realized change wasn’t so bad – he was taking control of his destiny “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?”

Haw Moved Forward! Haw was making small advancements which was better than being in a “Cheeseless situation” He looked back at the situation & realized all along change was happening – the cheese was becoming old, stale & depleted Haw had been blinded by arrogance & complacency “Smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old.”

Haw Committed to Change! Haw realized if he had moved earlier it would have been easier to find the cheese From now on he would stay more alert Haw would not let himself get comfortable again “Movement in a new direction helps you find new cheese.”

Haw Let Go of His Fears! Many times Haw felt like giving up – he was still weighed down by fearful beliefs Haw was finally able to move beyond his fears – he was free of the past He breathed a new life full of energy “When you move beyond your fear, you feel free.”

Haw Imagined the Change! Haw imagined finding the cheese to help overcome his fears He revisited Hem & realized what he enjoyed was not the cheese, but it was the process of discovery Looking ahead became more & more exciting “Imagining myself enjoying new cheese even before I find it, leads me to it.”

Haw Let Go of Old Beliefs! Haw realized that new beliefs were encouraging new behaviors “When you change what you believe, you change what you do.” “The quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you find new cheese.”

Haw Took Risk to Change! Haw realized that what he was afraid of was never as bad as what he imagined He looked forward to finding new cheese “It is safer to search in the maze than remain in a cheeseless situation.”

Haw Let Go of Old Thinking! Haw used to think about what could go wrong rather than what could go right He realized he had to expect change because it is continuous “Old beliefs do not lead you to new cheese.”

Haw woke up to Reality as it is! Haw now realized he would have been in better shape if he had dealt with change sooner. “When you see that you can find and enjoy new cheese, you change course.”

Haw succeeds in Finding New Cheese by Changing! Haw discovers Cheese Station N the source of the new cheese after he has taken the risk to change his beliefs & to imagine a new reality with new cheese! “Noticing small changes early helps you adapt to the bigger changes that are to come.”

Hurray for Change!!!

What was the Cheese in this Story? Cheese is a metaphor for what you want in life Independent living Good job Loving relationship Money Health Spiritual peace

What is the Maze in this Story? The Maze is where you look for what you want in your: Community Work Family

Why is it Important to be a Sniff or a Scurry?

Importance of being a Sniff or a Scurry Keep life simple, do not over analyze Be flexible & open-minded to progression Adapt to change easier and faster See little changes so YOU are ready for larger ones Remember - Tomorrow is not promised to anyone – especially us Use the past to plan the future Imagine what YOU want

Change from a Personal Perspective Change is happening constantly – YOU are either moving with it or being passed by It keeps YOU young & active Change is about learning & growing YOU will be able to ride the cycle of life longer if YOU are adaptable Change is about controlling YOUR fear

The Handwriting on the Wall 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 Old Cheese, the Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese

The Handwriting on the Wall Change Move With the Cheese Enjoy Change! Savor the Adventure & Enjoy the Taste Of New Cheese! Be Ready to Change Quickly & Enjoy It Again & Again They Keep Moving the Cheese

“Move With the Cheese And Enjoy It!”

Summary Four personalities of handling change & the importance of being proactive Being able to recognize change & welcome it! Be aware of the “Handwriting on the Wall”

References Spencer Johnson, M.D. (1998). Who Moved My Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life. New York: Penguin Putnam. Who Moved My Cheese? Website: http://www.whomovedmycheese.com/