It has been a few years since I re-read “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson.
Recently, I found myself in a small company at the brink of becoming something great, full of growth potential and venture possibilities. I managed a smaller group of individuals with varying degrees of acceptance to change, vastly different personalities, age and experience. This time, I read the book with a plan to apply its message to the management of my team. Which characters was I dealing with, Haw, Hem, Scurry or Sniff?
Here is a roadmap that you can use with your own employees:
1) Read the book, it’s VERY short. Maybe even buy it for your team?! Find it here on Amazon (cheap too!): http://amzn.to/1aiAERJ
2) Use an abbreviated version of the Myers-Briggs test to help you study personality types and offer reasons for behaviors and individual decisions-making. A good resource that you can use with your team is http://bit.ly/16C03CP
3) Then used the four characters presented in the book and assigned them some of the personality characteristics that Myers-Briggs proposes in its approach. In this manner, you can get a closer understanding of your team’s personality types, and how best to plan your management of each individual character. Use the handy chart below to help in your matching
Some guiding examples:
Sniff for example would test as a Visionary. As visionaries, the Sniff’s of the world are set out to find the next opportunity for success. They point the rest of us in the right direction, leading the way through determination and an instinct to find new possibilities. Often leading the charge through unseen ventures, the Sniff’s of the world can provide leadership in strategic thinking and analysis.
Scurry would test as a Director, ready to take action. The Scurry’s in our organization are the do’ers. These are individuals who don’t whine or waste time lamenting the comings and goings of their cheese, once they realize their cheese is missing and understands the general vision of where to get more, they take off running for it. These are not the whiners in your organization; these are the adaptable and flexible individuals ready to act on change.
Hem would test as a Protector, relating to his environment with a sense of entitlement and eager to live within his boundaries. The Hem’s in our organization like the niche they have built around themselves, the notoriety and attention this has brought them, and any changes can be perceived as personal attacks. Hem’s feed off of what they can show others and like to be at the center of attention, even if it means whining for it.
Haw would test as a Counselor and Teacher. The Haw’s in your life have a great appreciation for others, understand the need for change, and although afraid, can be led to appreciate and welcome change and champion this change for others.
By mapping these characters to the Myers-Briggs type indicator, I have a better tool to meet the needs of those I manage. Although understanding which characters they are within the “Who Moved My Cheese” story helps me in understanding their readiness for change, understanding the personality traits that make them those characters will help me in recognizing the reasons for their behaviors and how to assist them in eventually finding their own cheese.
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