From our appreciated guest editor Neta Shermister, an essay in which she connects the world of business with Alice in Wonderland; no kidding, just read it.

"Begin at the beginning and go on, till you come to the end; Then stop."
I decided on discussing the role of the CEO in contributing to the success of a company, through Lewis Carroll's ideas, by using quotes taken from his acknowledged masterpiece, "Alice in Wonderland". The book, which is well known for holding deeper meanings, goes beyond being merely a children's book. It is worthwhile to analyze and learn a great deal from it, regarding human nature, social acceptances, etcetera. Moreover, it can be applied beautifully to the business world, especially in the personal path discipline, leadership and so on. I will further elaborate by giving quotes that can be interpreted as references for creativity, innovation and responsibility.

"Cheshire Puss…would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?' 'That depends a good deal on where you want to get to. … If you don't know where you are going, then any path will take you there."
Many senior managing directors consider a certain destination or a specific intention as their main goal, striding there blindly. However, this is a misleading and an overrated trait, which at times can become their downfall. The over assured person in charge feels comfortable with always being in control, knowing what is good for the company in the years to come and sticking strictly to the future he had envisioned in his own mind. Nonetheless, the contrasting view is much more accurate. As Ricardo Semler, the majority owner of Semco is Brazil, remarked on the subject: "Giving up control in exchange for freedom, creativity, and inspired adaptation is my preference". CEOs, only by accepting the nebulous future and uncertainty which surrounds their path, will be able to be open minded for new ideas, new approaches, being contented at choosing imaginative and resourceful ways and seeing opportunities where others see chaos, which will certainly result into a fruitful outcome.

"It takes all the running YOU can do, to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that"'
We live in an ever-changing world; an inevitable part of living in the 21st century is the constant change. In order to not be overcome by your competitors, or simply being left behind, innovation, focusing on Research & Development and change, is crucial. Even if a company succeeds, it does not mean it will remain successful. According to Peter Drucker, Clarke professor of social science and management: "Some theories of the business are so powerful that they last for a long time. But eventually everyone becomes obsolete", taken from his article "The theory of the business", where he emphasizes the importance and necessity in change of the theory of the business. Therefore, a good leader must always keep looking forward, have the foresight and the intelligence to open his eyes and observe what is occurring around him, seizing opportunities, rethinking assumptions, making decisions and taking a decisive action even if it means a colossal change of the whole company's business model, in order not to be left behind.

"Then you should say what you mean, the March Hare went on' 'I do' Alice hastily replied; 'at least-at least I mean what I say-that's the same thing, you know.' 'Not the same thing a bit! Said the Hatter."
Integrity, earnestness and responsibility are significant key elements of a CEO who is setting as a good example. To facilitate company growth, leaders are expected to generate success, be charismatic and resilient, thus inspiring their employees into contributing to the overall team effort. As Napoleon said: "Those who have changed the universe have never done it by changing officials, but always by inspiring the people". For instance, if a CEO is manipulative or tyrannical, of which the words "please", "I admit I was wrong" and "what do you think?" are non existing in his vocabulary, consequently, his subordinates will be bitter and aggravated; resulting in lack of ambition in fulfilling the tasks, work related frustration and ending with unproductive achievements. On the other hand, a considerate, appreciative boss will motivate and enthuse his workers to high goals.

"I don't much care where I get to' said Alice' Then it doesn't matter which way you go,' said the Cat' So long as I get somewhere' Alice added as an explanation' Oh, you're sure to do that, said the Cat, if you only walk long enough"
In conclusion, we have seen the significance of the CEO to the company's success, throughout many promising merits, as seen in Lewis Carroll's insights. The combination of good people skills, as well as operating skills, of course, can contribute immensely to a company and make it thrive.

Neta Shermister, 2003