Reflecting on Change: Lessons from Who Moved My Cheese?

Recently, I came across a copy of the evergreen classic by Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese? A rather simplistic depiction of the personal journey during change, it is a thin, 96-page book that offers profound opportunities for self-reflection. If you need a refresher or haven’t read it yet, check out this concise summary video: Who Moved my Cheese - Summary.

Spencer attempts to share instinctive character traits when faced with shifting realities. However, upon deeper reflection, I realised that Hem and Haw are not just characters but representations of leadership approaches:

Hem department

Hem could symbolise the visionary, leading innovation and discovery, supported by proactive “Sniffs” who scout for untapped opportunities. This department thrives on curiosity and a forward-thinking mindset, daring to explore uncharted territories—for example, research and development.

Haw department

Haw, by contrast, could personify the operational tactician, turning potential into reality. With agile “Scurrys” driving quick wins during execution, this team ensures that bold ideas are transformed into actionable outcomes—for example, operations.

But the story's real lesson lies not in dividing these strengths but in finding harmony between them. Organisations flourish when thinkers and doers—dreamers and implementers—work in sync. Hem’s vision needs Haw’s operational excellence, and vice versa. When the two collaborate through shared strategies, transparent communication, and mutual respect, the cycle of innovation and execution becomes seamless.

Based on this reflection, I suggest that leaders focus on identifying and nurturing individual strengths within their talent base.

• Who in our organisations resembles Hem, Haw, Sniff, or Scurry?
• And how are we empowering them to contribute meaningfully?

Not everyone excels at everything, and expecting that is a disservice to both the individual and the organisation.

A Call to Reflect and Act

• Understand your team dynamics: Who are the visionaries, the pragmatists, the innovators, and the doers?
• Align strengths with roles: Place people in positions where their natural abilities shine and complement the team.
• Foster collaboration: Ensure ongoing dialogue between thinkers and implementers to sustain momentum and alignment.
• Embrace adaptability: Reflect on how situations change your outlook—are you, at times, a “Hem” resisting the inevitable? Or a “Haw” cautiously adapting over time?

The story of Who Moved My Cheese? is more than a tale of mice in a maze. It’s a reminder that growth is as much about staying afloat in an ever-changing environment as it is about forging new paths. Let’s create ecosystems where people feel valued, roles are well-defined, and change is not feared but embraced as a collaborative journey.

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