Community: Rethinking what it truly means

Talk Overview: Community: Rethinking What It Truly Means

This talk is about rethinking what it truly means to be part of a community, using the timeless business parable "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Dr. Spencer Johnson as a metaphor for understanding change and adaptation. Led by Yunwen Eric, Software Developer and Founder of @Togeva, the presentation explores how communities must evolve to survive, just like the characters in the book who must adapt to the shifting dynamics of their environment.

Key Themes of the Talk

1. The Metaphor of Change

The core concepts from Who Moved My Cheese? are redefined in the context of community life.

• The "Cheese": Represents the opportunities and benefits of being part of a community—learning, career advancement, networking, and new skills.
• The "Maze": Symbolizes the constantly evolving community ecosystem, shaped by changing member needs, event formats, leadership, and technology.

2. Four Community Roles in Adaptation

The talk introduces the four characters from the book to describe the different mindsets and roles people adopt when faced with change in a community:

• Hem (The Resistor): Those who resist change and prefer to stay in their comfort zone, holding back progress.
• Haw (The Learner): Individuals who initially resist change but eventually adapt and get involved after realizing its value.
• Scurry (The Doer): The volunteers who act quickly without overthinking, ensuring progress is made.
• Sniff (The Early Adopter): Members who identify new trends and opportunities early, helping the community stay ahead.

3. Lessons and Mindset for Growth

The presentation stresses that communities must adapt to survive. The talk outlines the mindset needed for thriving communities:

• Be open to change.
• Take action, even if it’s imperfect.
• Help others adapt.
• Encourage learning from mistakes.

4. A New Definition of Community

The talk redefines community with a fresh perspective:

• A Maze of Opportunities and Challenges: Communities are places of growth and struggle.
• Mindsets and Roles: It's about how individuals approach their roles within the ecosystem.
• Contribution, Not Just Consumption: A thriving community thrives on active participation.
• Shared Vision of the Future: Staying engaged in a collective vision to ensure growth and sustainability.

5. Conclusion and Call to Action

The final section emphasizes that "the cheese will always move," meaning that the community’s opportunities and challenges will continue to evolve. The success of any community depends on the ability of its members to move with these changes.

• Call to Action: Every community member—whether Sniff, Scurry, Hem, or Haw—must recognise their role and take responsibility for moving the community forward.
• Reflection Question: "What changes are you willing to make to keep our community thriving?"

This session aims to inspire both individuals and leaders to embrace change, adapt to evolving challenges, and foster a more engaged, dynamic community that thrives on growth and mutual contribution.