Who Moved My Cheese: Scurry's Perspective

Who Moved My Cheese: Scurry's Perspective

Intro

The book, "Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life," published in 1998, was written by Dr. Spencer Johnson. The book takes an extremely complicated issue, change, and breaks it down to its simplest form in an amazing way. Dr. Johnson makes the subject so generic, that it is instantly relatable to any individual in any circumstance of change. The book describes instances of change through the reactions of four characters, each of which represent typical reactions to change.

The four characters, comprised of two mice and two little people, each react and handle change is distinct ways. The story details the character's pursuit for obtaining what they value, in this case cheese. During this pursuit of cheese, the story introduces change into each of the characters' lives. How they deal with change is the backbone of the story.

The characters live in a maze, which is representative of the world we live in. The maze consisted of a labyrinth of corridors and chambers. Additionally, there were dark corners and blind alleys which lead to dead ends, which made it very easy to get lost. In short, the maze, and life, can be very difficult.

Finding the Cheese

The characters each use separate methods to seek out their cheese. The mice, Sniff and Scurry, utilize simple trial and error methods. Sniff would identify the general area of the cheese with his keen sense of smell, and Scurry would sprint ahead, often getting lost, but they would eventually find their way. When they ran down an empty corridor, they remembered these corridors, and quickly moved on to new paths.

The little people, Hem and Haw, had far more complex brains than the mice. They analyzed details and developed sophisticated methods to find their cheese. However, their emotions and opinions could often cloud their thinking, which made life in the maze more complicated for the little people.

Another key difference in personalities is identified upon discovering cheese station C early in the story. Having obtained what they value, the character's identities begin to develop. Sniff and Scurry, while happy to have obtained their cheese, continue to wake early every day and race through the maze, always following the same routine. Upon arriving at their objective, the mice would tie their running shoes around their neck, always keeping the ready for when they need them.

Hem and Haw, upon achieving their objective, shortly after grew very complacent. They awoke later each day, knowing that the cheese would always be there. They would put away their shoes and make themselves very comfortable. They felt that they were entitled to the cheese, and eventually even moved their houses next to the cheese. Eventually, the confidence grew to arrogance, and they were so comfortable in their situation they did not notice the changes occurring around them.

The Change

The change occurs when one morning, the mice arrive at the cheese station and all the cheese is gone. This, however, did not surprise the mice; they had seen the supply growing smaller and were prepared for the change. They did not overanalyze the situation, they simply identified the change and adapted. They immediately went in search of new cheese.

Hem and Haw had not seen the change coming and were unprepared for the cheese being gone. The change left them immobilized and unsure of what to do. Somewhat early on, Haw suggested that they search for new cheese, but Hem talked him out of it. They both remained at cheese station C long after the change had occurred, blaming others for their situation.

While Hem and Haw were resisting change, the mice were busy adapting to change. While the process was not easy, they eventually found cheese station N, which was bigger and better than cheese station C. Eventually, after a very long time, Haw takes action and follows in the steps of the mice. Unfortunately for Hem, he never adapts to change and is left behind.

The Case of Scurry

In the case of Sniff and Scurry, they were peers. The most appropriate image for Scurry is that of the Navigator. This is because Scurry recognizes that there are external factors which may change direction. Also, Scurry identifies a path and immediately moves towards it, and Sniff follows without question. The Navigator understands the problem, takes action, and stabilizes within an organization. Sniff and Scurry have a great deal of trust in each other, knowing that they have dealt with change, and always land on their feet with their methods.

Sniff and Scurry are very much alike; they are both motivated and aware of their surroundings. Both are