Business Book Club – First Discussion

• People want to know the work they do is meaningful.
• People want to be empowered to fix the problems they encounter at work.
• Never underestimate the power of personally connecting with people (your employees and peers).

These were a few of the insights I gleaned from the Business Book Club (BBC) discussion.  For our first book we read “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson.  The book uses a metaphor, mice and little people in a maze, to represent different perspectives people take towards change.  Because the metaphor is fairly open, it enables readers to see different things in the book.  This made the book work well as an introductory book for our group. Many people focused on the metaphorical cheese as “what makes you happy at work.”  The insights shared at the start of this post came from our discussions about the cheese in our jobs.  It always amazes me when people open up and share insights that are meaningful to them.

The group did not arrive at any consensus on a best strategy for dealing with change in the workplace.  We all recognized that change happens a lot and quickly.  But, there was admitted reluctance as to how quickly each of us adapts to change.  There are four characters in the book, Sniff (perceives change), Scurry (takes immediate action), Hem (no change please) and Haw (startled by change, but willing to change).   Several people self-identified with Hem, while admitting saw the value in other attitudes represented.  Once again, I was amazed by how open and honest people can be in discussions.

Personal learnings I want to hold on to:

Insights listed above.  Being able to remember and act on these things as you shape your communications and relationships with people at work is both grounding and inspiring.

I have to fight the controlling teacher-person in me! There were times in discussion where I wanted to step in more.  I’m so glad I didn’t!  A group needs a chance to become.  It can’t develop into a health group with too much input/control from one person.  Second arena for this application, book selection.  The next group member selected book was not one I would have selected.  I’m working with it!  More as we go….