book of the month

Making Fairy Tales Come True

>>She was ruthless-a four-year-old dictator. The bedtime ritual simply didn't allow wiggle room. Water. Story. Hug around the neck. Air kisses. Then the inevitable question, "Mother, do fairy tales come true?" The answer was elusive, "We'll see, Punkin. We'll see." Close door. Escape.

Mette Norgaard, author of The Ugly Duckling Goes to Work: Wisdom for the Workplace from the Classic Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, suggests they can. She insists that, as professionals, we are so busy being busy that we refuse to find time to reflect on what it is that makes work fun and fulfilling. The victories we desire and failures we dread define us.

But there is hope, and it comes in the form of the fairy-tale travails of Hans Christian Andersen's classic heroes and heroines. The author says, "This book is for people who want to make smart and wise choices, who want a comfortable standard of living and a good quality of life. It is for those who want to feel alive in their work."

The book is organized into six independent chapters, each structured around a fresh, modern interpretation of one of Andersen's timeless tales. The Emperor's New Clothes, The Dung Beetle and The Fir Tree are cautionary. They exemplify the consequences of being excessively concerned with other people's opinions, rewards and recognition. The Ugly Duckling, The Nisse at the Grocer's and The Nightingale are inspirational. They deal with longing, balance and professional mastery.

The book is meant to be approached in a relaxed manner-to enjoy, savor, contemplate-and to use. Its dualities of pragmatism and idealism complement each other. When applied to contemporary work-world situations, the simple, but never simplistic, tales come to life. They breathe authenticity and renewed energy in to our world of work.

So there you have it, Punkin: Fairy tales can come true.

I'm sorry you had to wait 25 years for your answer.

-Judith Kolva, assistant professor of interdisciplinary studies, International College