Who Moved My Cheese: An Amazing Way To Deal With Change In Your Work And In Your Life FROM OUR EDITORS
The Barnes & Noble Review
If you're struggling to adjust to changes and transitions at work, then you'll definitely want to keep a copy of Spencer Johnson's short but effective parable somewhere nearby. Johnson's gift for taking complicated, sometimes overwhelming feelings and making them manageable as well as open to change is the key to this book's amazing success. The "Cheese" (with a capital "C") referred to in the title is simply a metaphor for whatever it is that we desire most in life -- recognition, acceptance, money, relationships, possessions, freedom, or anything, tangible or intangible, that becomes invested with desire. The problem with the world, of course, is that the Cheese is portable, leaving Johnson's characters -- two mice (Sniff and Scurry) and two "littlepeople" (Hem and Haw) -- to navigate a mazelike world in a somewhat desperate search for fulfillment and satisfaction.
In today's volatile work environment, the pithy points that Johnson makes as his characters struggle to find a kind of self-empowerment are worth bearing in mind. At the heart of the book is the assertion that "Old beliefs do not lead you to new Cheese." As Haw, the individual who is most open to the possibilities of change, discovers, "You can believe that a change will harm you and resist it. Or you can believe that finding New Cheese will help you, and embrace the change. It all depends on what you choose to believe." Perhaps this is the ultimate and quite hopeful message is the true heart of Johnson's story: Choosing to adapt will enrich your life, leading you onward to the new possibilities created in the ever-changing world of today's workplace. (Sunil Sharma)
ANNOTATION
Sometimes simple problems require simple answers. In just 96 pages, this humorous story uses simple metaphors and characters to encourage readers to embrace change and to adapt to new situations with an open mind and a motivated spirit. It follows four fictional characters, Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw, as they search for fulfillment in the maze of life.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
With over a million copies in print, the #1 New York Times bestseller Who Moved My Cheese? An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in
Your Life (G.P. Putnam's Sons) has grown from a guide and training
tool for America's top corporations and organizations to a cultural
phenomenon that is changing people's lives. While a few analytical or
skeptical people find the story too simple on the surface, the vast majority
of readers' responses reveal it is the clear simplicity that makes it so
easy to understand and apply to changing situations at work or in life.
This amazing bestseller, written by Spencer Johnson, M.D., the co-author of
The One Minute Manager®, the world's most popular management method, is
reaching beyond the business community, where it has been the #1 Wall Street
Journal Business Bestseller for more than 30 consecutive weeks. It is now
being embraced by hundreds of thousands of readers-from community leaders
and college coaches to parents and children-helping them to adapt to change.
Whether it's the challenge of a changing relationship, or moving to a new
neighborhood, or the downsizing and merging of corporations, people are
finding that the simple story of Who Moved My Cheese? is an unthreatening and
invaluable source of comfort and advice. It is no wonder that this
diminutive tome has become a runaway bestseller!
SYNOPSIS
Who moved my Cheese? Is a simple parable that reveals profound truths about change. It is an amusing and enlightening story of four characters who live in a "Maze" and look for "Cheese" to nourish them and make them happy.
"Cheese" is a metaphor for what you want to have in life--whether it is a good job, a loving relationship, money, a possession, health, or Spiritual peace of mind. And "The Maze" is where you look for what you want--the organization you work in, or the family or community you live in.
The characters are faced with unexpected change. Eventually, one of them deals with it successfully, and writes what he has learned from his experience on the maze walls.
When you come to see "The Handwriting on the Wall." you can discover for yourself how to deal with change, so that you can enjoy less stress and more success (however you define it) in your work and in your life.
Written for all ages, the story takes a little over an hour to listen to, but its unique insights can last a lifetime.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
This is a brief tale of two mice and two humans who live in a maze and one day are faced with change: someone moves their cheese. Reactions vary from quick adjustment to waiting for the situation to change by itself to suit their needs. This story is about adjusting attitudes toward change in life, especially at work. Change occurs whether a person is ready or not, but the author affirms that it can be positive. His principles are to anticipate change, let go of the old, and do what you would do if you were not afraid. Listeners are still left with questions about making his or her own specific personal changes. Capably narrated by Tony Roberts, this audiotape is recommended for larger public library collections.--Mark Guyer, Stark Cty. Dist. Lib., Canton, OH Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.
Christy Ellington - (The Christian Science Monitor)
This quick read of simple ideas will provide at least one character to relate to and some advice to hold on to during a busy day.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
I'm giving this book to colleagues and friends. Spencer Johnson's storytelling abilities and unique insights make this a rare book that can be read and understood by everyone who wants to succeed in these changing times. — (Randy Harris, Former Vice-Chairman, Merrill Lynch International)
AUTHOR DESCRIPTION
Spencer Johnson, M.D., is an internationally bestselling author whose books help millions of people discover simple truths they can use to enjoy healthier lives with more success and less stress.
He has often been referred to as "the best there is at taking complex subjects and presenting simple solutions that work."
He is co-Author of The One Minute Manager the #1 New York Times bestseller written with legendary management consultant Kenneth Blanchard, Ph.D. Since 1982, this business classic has become the world's most popular management method and continues to make appearances on the bestseller lists.
Dr. Johnson has written many other bestsellers, including The Precious Present, Yes or No, and five books in the One Minute series. He is also the author and series editor of the popular New ValueTales children's books.
His education includes a B.A. in psychology from the University of Southern California, an M.D. degree from the Royal College of Surgeons, and medical clerkships at Harvard Medical School and The Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Johnson's books have been featured often in the media, by, among others, CNN, the Today show, Larry King Live, Time magazine, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and United Press International.
Spencer Johnson's books are available in twenty-six languages.
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