Who Moved My Cheese?
An Amazing Way to Deal With Change in Your Work and in Your Life
Dr Spencer Johnson
Spencer Johnson’s Who Moved My Cheese? is a short, punchy parable that explores how we deal with change, personally and professionally. Set in a simple maze, the story follows four characters: two mice, Sniff and Scurry, and two little people, Hem and Haw. Their search for “cheese” becomes a metaphor for what we want in life, whether it’s success, job security, happiness, or stability. When the cheese suddenly disappears, each character responds differently, revealing powerful insights about human behaviour and our often complex relationship with change.
Sniff and Scurry, driven by instinct, don’t overthink it. They notice the cheese is gone and head straight back into the maze to look for more. Hem and Haw, on the other hand, represent the more hesitant, over-analytical side of human nature. Hem refuses to accept the change, clinging to the past, while Haw eventually realises that adapting is the only way forward. As Haw overcomes his fear and starts moving through the maze again, he learns that embracing change opens the door to new opportunities, even growth.
For teachers, school leaders, and busy professionals, this book is a timely reminder that change is not just inevitable, but necessary. In education and leadership, where shifting policies, evolving student needs, and new technologies are constant, the ability to adapt with curiosity rather than resistance can make all the difference. Johnson’s storytelling is simple but impactful, making it an ideal read (or re-read) during times of transition or uncertainty.
Who Moved My Cheese? doesn’t pretend to be complex, and that’s its strength. It invites reflection, conversation, and perhaps even a mindset shift. Pop it in your bag, read it over a lunch break, and you’ll likely come away thinking differently about whatever change you might be facing next.
