I think the book is relevant to the study of strategic leadership.
The story is very easy to follow and to understand. It is relatively
simple to make comparisons between the characters in the story
and the people I know. The decisions that Hem and Haw must
make while looking for "new cheese" in the maze is comparable to
the decisions that people must make in their everyday life. It tells
a story about being aware of changes taking place and doing work
today and not waiting for tomorrow.
The books primary thesis deals with how people adapt to
changes in their environment. According to Blanchard, sometimes
people may act like Sniff, Scurry, Hem, or Haw. Sniff sniffs out
change early. Scurry scurries into action. Hem denies and resists
change as he fears it will lead to something worse and Haw learns
to adapt in time when he sees changing can lead to something
better. (p.12) The "maze" in the story can represent the
organization you work in, the community you live in, or the
relationships you have. I think that the book sends the reader a
clear message of the choices a person has to make when faced with
changes in their environment. Our highly competitive
environment forces organizations to constantly change. Change
happens all of the time and is a part of nature. One must be aware
of change and ready to act upon the effects of change. This is the
only way to maintain personal stability and manage stress both at
home and in the workplace. Stay flexible and watchful, recognize
new opportunities and take advantage of them when they are
available.
The contents of the book can be directly integrated into the
workplace. I think any company has several Sniff, Scurry, Hem
and Haw types of...