Who Moved My Cheese A BOOK REPORT BY

Who Moved My Cheese? A BOOK REPORT BY: COREY PHILLIPS

SUMMARY – Who Moved My Cheese? �The book is a story about four characters who live in a “maze” and are on a search to find “cheese”. �The “maze” represents where one works, one’s family, or the community where one lives. �The “cheese” represents what one wants in life; a good job, relationships, money, health, ect.

Summary – Who Moved My Cheese? Characters �Sniff -- A mouse that sniffs out the situation. �Scurry – A mouse that scurries into action. �Hem – A little person that is comfortable in life and resist change. �Haw – A little person that eventually lets go and trust what lies ahead.

Summary – Who Moved My Cheese? �Sniff and Scurry are two mice that use trial and error to work their way around the “maze” on their quest for “cheese”. �Though Sniff and Scurry are not as smart or as complex as Hem and Haw they keep things simple, don’t over analyze, and change with change. �Hem and Haw are two little people that are much smarter and more advanced than the two mice. �However, Hem and Haw are comfortable with their life and are afraid of change.

Summary – Who Moved My Cheese? �Sniff and Scurry keep moving. When their “cheese” runs out they are quick to react and find new “cheese”. �Haw eventually overcomes his fears and gets out of his comfort zone and moves forward, changing with change, looking for new “cheese”, and becoming happier. �Hem never overcomes his fears and never gets out of his comfort zone. He becomes arrogant and complacent, and once his “cheese” runs out doesn’t look for new “cheese”.

Summary – Who Moved My Cheese? �The book illustrates that we must all be open to the idea of change. �We must not get too comfortable where we are, because one day, the “cheese” may be gone. �Continuing to plan ahead and constantly looking for new “cheese” in our own “mazes” allows us to adapt and to grow.

Effective Communication �Team Work �Sniff and Scurry display team work in their quest to find “cheese”. �They work together. Sniff, “sniffed ahead” and Scurry, “scurried ahead” looking for “cheese”. �Their effective team work allowed them to stay on the “cheese”. �In order to work effectively together the two of them had to communicate well with each other. �Hem and Haw did not work together.

Effective Communication �Listening �Sniff and Scurry demonstrated how important it is to listen to each other. �By listening to each other they were able to navigate the “maze” and find “cheese”. �Hem demonstrated how not to listen. �Hem would not listen to Haw when Haw was trying to get him to move forward.

Effective Communication �Motivate �Haw used motivational quotes to communicate with not only others but himself. �His quotes kept him focused on changing with change. �His quotes were also left for Hem, incase he decided to join the journey.

Effective Communication �Imagination -- Creativity �Spencer Johnson, the author, used his imagination in creating these characters, the “maze”, and the “cheese”. �His ability to use his imagination and creativity was an effective communication tool. �If the book had been about four ordinary people, the book would not of had the same effect.

How Can I Use Communication At Work �Team Work �Teachers should communicate effectively and collaborate with each other. �Being able to take positives from others and getting rid of my negatives will make me a better teacher. �To collaborate with others I will have to communicate effectively and work well with others.

How Can I Use Communication At Work �Listen �If teachers will listen to each other they can become better educators. �If I will listen to other teachers I may find new and better ways to do things. �If I will listen to other teachers I may learn from their mistakes and successes.

How Can I Use Communication At Work? �Motivate �Motivation is a powerful communication tool. �Teachers should motivate their students to excell. �If I can motivate my students to go the extra mile and reach toward or beyond their goals, I will be a better teacher.

How Can I Use Communication at Work �Imagination – Creativity �If teachers will use their imagination and creativity they may reach students that they normally would not reach. �Spencer Johnson reached me because of his imagination and creativity. �If I can do the same with my students I will be a better teacher.

Action Steps �Accept Change � Teachers should realize if they are not changing and looking to get better they will get comfortable and be left behind the times. �Adapt � Teachers should adapt to the times, their students, and co-workers. �Change � Don’t be afraid to change. Change is a good thing. Make the most of it. �Enjoy Change � Change will be what you make.