Martina Violetta Jung

Some years ago, Spencer Johnson published the book „Who moved my Cheese?“ to help people understand and deal with change in any aspect of their lives in a more proactive way. For the German market, the self-help book was transformed into a management parable with the title „Mize Strategy for Managers“. In essence the author’s advice in both versions is:

1. Change is a constant;
2. Smart people anticipate change;
3. In order to do so, you need to observe and scrutinize your environment continuously;
4. Adapt fast and you are soon back to a happy life;
5. Enjoy the process of changing;
6. Be willing to change again, and again, and again.

Despite the fact that the book sold well around the world, a lasting impact is difficult to be found. It helped people to handle change that stood right in front of them or was even forced unto them, but it did not change their basic habits of thinking and acting. „Who moved my cheese“ distinguished between four basis beings, the curious and proactive, but rather stupid ones, who handle change the easiest. The brooding and resisting, more intelligent types, however, find adapting or even anticipating and acting before the crowd moves very challenging.

From my experience the level of adaptability has nothing to do with intelligence, but rather with how much people have accumulated in terms of symbols such as prestige, titles, positions, power, income, wealth in any form within the community they live and to which they belong. The more they have obtained, the more difficult they find to change, to let go, to move on. They feel entitled to it; they deserve to keep what they have worked for and rather die arguing to be right, then move and adapt, with a grim look on their face. Forget about your image. It just does not work any more…

Who has changed and proactively developed a unique personality? Who finds it the easiest to go with where the river flows? All those who have learned to follow their heart instead of just their mind. All those who learned to listen to their inner voice that is talking to them softly. All who truly know who they are. All those who work in accordance with what makes them unique and therefore know no competition. People who seek meaning in the work they do every day.

Go with the flow like Jean-Luc Karleskind (51, married, four children) does for example. Until a year ago a CFO in an internationally active metals trading company, changes in the business environment forced him to leave. Instead of depositing the compensation payment in his bank account, complaining about whatsoever, and gradually moving on to the next top finance position, he invested the money in a future adaptable to change and full of amazing experiences. Jean-Luc’s ambition is to understand where global business is heading. What are the key factors that will determine economical wellbeing from a global perspective? How can he be successful in this global business world by being more of himself, utilizing what makes him special? He started off by taking a summer course at Stanford. Then, he travelled to numerous countries, visited companies, and participated in congresses all around the world. Jean-Luc’s approach is total openness to new people, ways of thinking, working, networking and collaborating. He shares his findings with us on www.karleskind.me. Take a look and be inspired to give your career a turn that manages change easily and provides meaningful contributions at the same time.

Yours,

Martina Violetta Jung