Who Moved My Cheese (Again)?

At a recent networking event, a friend was discussing how the nature of her work has changed. As a software and human resources trainer, she has observed and participated in several workplace evolutions and revolutions.

When I first worked on a computer, I learned WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3 for dos and struggled to master Harvard Graphics without a users’ manual because the printed copy could not be located. There was no Internet connection at work, nor did I have email. The introduction of Windows revolutionized the way that I worked then and now. And the increasing influence of the Internet and mobile connectivity means that I must always learn new ways of doing business.

In other words, if I were one of the characters in the book, Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life by Spencer Johnson, my cheese would be a continually moving target. A seemingly simple fable about mice and “Littlepeople” (aptly named Sniff, Scurry, Hem and Haw), this book makes many readers think carefully about their own coping mechanisms and the ways in which they adapt to (inevitable) changes in their lives.

For me, the value of this book lies in its implied challenge — to incorporate its message into my own situation and respond appropriately to what can become positive changes rather than to oppose all deviations from the existing “norm” without thought. I have to admit that I don’t embrace all change equally and without any resistance. But after reading this book, I consider carefully the broader impact of change rather than just its effects on my particular circumstances.

There is an abundance of extremely valuable classic business and management books, including the following: The One Minute Manager, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People , and Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't. However, Who Moved My Cheese? is my favorite because it has remained the most relevant to me since I first read it a decade ago.

What is your favorite business or management book? I plan to use the selected entries in a future blog, so email me at nwolpin@hotmail.com with the name and author of the book along with one or two sentences explaining why you found it influential. Include your name and any contact information that you would like to see mentioned in the blog. I’m looking forward to your response.