CD Review by Jack Falt
The story is about four characters: Two mice named Sniff and Scurry, and two little people named Hem and Haw. These four characters live in a maze and live on cheese. (It is an allegory. It doesn’t have to make a lot of logical sense.) The story describes what happens to each of the characters as they face having to deal with the change that occurs when the cheese is no longer in the same place it has always been. The story has a very serious message and the way it is presented to staff would be very important. There is a fine line between inviting the inner child to join in and just appearing childish. The story makes the point about being prepared for change as well as coping with change when it actually happens. We have recently seen tremendous changes, particularly in high tech industries. We have also seen the devastating results for those who have not been preparing for change. As a parent of a son who is in the research and development department of a large high tech company, I understand the stress he has knowing his job is always on the line.
The CD is rather long to have a group sit and listen to it, but it is something that people could be encouraged to borrow and listen to in their cars or at home. Having a short follow-up session to discuss the ideas on the CD would open up a dialogue on company policy on dealing with change. If the CEO and management levels aren’t keeping up with the latest trends, then when change occurs and usually in ways not too comfortable for anyone from the CEO on down to the maintenance staff, they will not be prepared to deal with the problems. But it is everyone’s job to be prepared for change. When management does its job properly, it can minimize many of the resultant problems change brings about.
The story could also be used by facilitators who are helping companies deal with change. I could see it being used in a seminar or a workshop, but having a visual version (PowerPoint®) would be more interesting in a group setting. Perhaps the written version could be given out to participants to read, then follow up with a discussion.