Alice in Leadership

Admittedly, I was unsure of the value of studying several children's books (especially when dealing with important themes as leadership and ethics). However, after some reflection on the books I read (or were read to me) as a child, it made sense. Whether we realize it or not, we are exposed to lessons in leadership at an early age. As we've discussed in class, trustworthiness is an important aspect of leadership. The story of Pinocchio comes to mind. When thinking of open mindedness and tolerance, two other virtuous leadership qualities, the Dr. Seuss classics "Green Eggs and Ham" and "The Sneetches" offer much insight. Needless to say, I began seeing the Alice books in a different light. There are many parallels to not only leadership, but the cultivation of leadership.

For alot of people, college is there first experience of leadership because you must first truly know yourself before you can lead others. Adapting to a university environment is a good way to do that, and there are many comparisons of this adaptation in the Alice books. One instance that illustrates this is "The White Rabbit's frenzied hurrying to an appointment as a parody of "the rush of college life and the necessity of purpose, both of which overwhelm" the freshman" (211).

When Alice falls down the rabbit hole, she finds herself in a strange and hectic world that she doesn't understand. In trying to come to terms with her new surroundings, Alice gets frustrated. This is seen in her body language during her conversation with the caterpillar. After being faced with a difficult question, Alice's initial reaction is to turn and walk away. The caterpillar calls her back and advises her to "Keep your temper" (49). All rational and objective thought stems from a calm and peaceful state of mind. It is difficult to be an effective leader when emotion can quickly wash over you.

Another lesson in leadership is discovered when Alice becomes a Queen in "Through the Looking Glass". She has to remind herself that since he is now a person of authority that, "it'll never do for you to be lolling about on the grass like that! Queens have to be dignified, you know!" (250). When in a position of leadership, it is important to demand respect, otherwise most people won't give you any. Basically, you can't just roll around in the grass like the others. You need to rise above and act the part.