“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
When I was a child, I read “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and loved it. As I grew up, I watched the movie … more than a few times. Over the years, I delighted in the Oz stage productions. And now, as I think about my life and my career, I realize that much of what I need to know I learned from “The Wizard of Oz.” I found wisdom, not in sophisticated literature, but in a child’s story.
“The Wizard of Oz” is a timeless tale that includes all the elements of ancient myth – it’s powerful, compelling and dramatic. It is the Hero’s Journey, with a lead character, Dorothy, who leaves home in search of happiness in a better world; who travels hither and yon on a personal quest; who meets and learns from unusual characters along the way; who ultimately comes full circle, arriving back home to discover that the treasure she sought was right there all along.
The story of Dorothy – and her traveling companions, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion – is the story of all who seek happiness and fulfillment in their lives and in their work. It is the quest to discover your true self – to develop your own brain, heart and courage.
One of my favorite parts of the story is right after the tornado, when Dorothy’s house stops spinning in the tornado and finally lands on solid ground again. She steps out her front door and realizes that she doesn’t recognize a thing – the Land of Munchkins is totally unfamiliar.
To be sure, it is a feast for the senses – exciting and exhilarating – but also overwhelming. Dorothy doesn’t know quite what to make of the tiny little Munchkins and this gorgeous, lush land in which they live. And, as if that isn’t enough, a witch appears on the scene: Glinda the Good Witch of the North.
What’s a girl to do in such a situation? What would you do?
If you’re smart, you’d do just what Dorothy does – be polite, ask a lot of questions, get the lay of the land, figure out where you need to go from here and then ask a trustworthy person for directions:
“How can I get there?” asked Dorothy.
“You must walk,” said the Witch. “It is a long journey through a country that is sometimes pleasant and sometimes dark and terrible. However, I will use all the magic arts I know of to keep you from harm … The road to the Emerald City is paved with yellow brick, so you cannot miss it. …”
We’ve all had times in our lives when we felt lost. Sometimes, we feel lost in a new job situation – in need of a friendly person to help us learn the ropes. Or, we might feel lost with a new project or a new challenge. Feeling “lost” doesn’t just mean physically lost – it can mean being emotionally lost or even spiritually lost. And when we are lost, the smart thing to do is seek help, ask for directions and request guidance.
Are there areas in your work or in your career where you feel lost? Look around. Who can you turn to for guidance? Are there people in your organization who are wise, experienced and kind? Do you have trustworthy people in your life who can point you in the right direction?
We all need coaching, mentoring and help from those who have gone before us down the Yellow Brick Road of Work and Career. They may not be witches or fairy godmothers – they may not be dressed in shimmering pink or long, flowing white robes – but they are just as wonderful, just as magical, just as beloved as any Good Witch of the North. Seek them out. Ask them to guide you. Heed their wisdom, and follow their directions. They will steer you where you need to go.
Career growth requires COURAGE …
Committed to doing the right thing
Open to teaming up with others
Understanding what’s required
Resilient and able to bounce back
Asking for help with new challenges and obstacles
Grounded in solid values
Embracing change and uncertainty
