Change, despite fear
Back in 1998, Spencer Johnson published the motivational book, Who moved my cheese?, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. Although time has passed and many similar books have since been published, it carries an important lesson for anyone trying to navigate and optimise their career.
Using a short business fable, Johnson leaves us with some interesting ideas about dealing with change. There are four characters - two mice and two ‘little people’ who live in a maze and search for cheese (a metaphor for happiness, success, etc.). The characters react to the eventual disappearance of the stash of cheese in different ways:
The ‘little people’ have gotten comfortable, having assumed that the cheese will always be there. Once it’s gone, they’re shocked and resist the change. One refuses to lead, whilst the other eventually realises he has no choice but to adapt and go off in the search of new cheese.
Meanwhile, the mice have always stayed alert. When the cheese disappears, they quickly move on in the search for new cheese.
There are some key lessons that Finance professionals can draw from this story - and the mistakes made by the ‘little people’ in particular:
Resisting your reality is dangerous. Reluctance to change can leave you feeling angry, frustrated and lost. Sometimes, staying in your comfort zone can give you a false sense of security. Whilst these feelings (like the ‘little people’) are understandable, they are toxic for one’s career success. Time and time again, I’ve had clients say that they’d known ‘the writing was on the wall’ for a long time before deciding to take action. Before they knew it, their hand was forced and they’d been made redundant. From time to time, it’s good practice to lift your head up from the grind stone, survey the horizon and take a view on how the topography is changing both within the firm and your industry.
Change happens - be ready for it. Recognise that it’s necessary, adapt and move quickly to find a new supply of cheese - or perhaps, a new role if your current situation has changed for the worse. The quicker you’re able to pivot, the less negative change can have a detrimental impact on your long-term career trajectory.
Think deeply about your future options. If you are going to make some sort of career change, it’ll pay dividends to think carefully about where the future demand for your skills will be. Follow the money and go where the energy and growth is.
It might be necessary to repackage and re-present your skills close to your current area. Alternatively, you might need to gain relevant skills and qualifications for a more radical wholesale career change.
Look at the big picture. Is the cheese you’re chasing the right cheese? Before you make any move, ensure that you understand what you really want from your career at this point. Do thorough research and deep due diligence. Gaining more information and garnering opinions from your wider network will help you make sound and informed decisions.
If you realise that it’s time for a change, despite the fear it may entail, let’s talk. Many of my Foundation Coaching clients work with us having seen that the writing was on the wall. For them, coaching was a way to seize control and momentum, and drive their career forward towards their ultimate career goals.