However, an extraverted Azure Blue attitude is revealed when the Tin Man begins to focus on two important goals: obtaining a heart (personal goal) and helping Dorothy return to Kansas (collective goal). It is when the Tin Man blends his caring (introversion) with his visioning (extraversion) that he comes to recognize this essential characteristic in himself. It is worth noting that the other Oz characters seem to have him “figured out” long before he did. They knew he was caring and had a clear sense of purpose soon after he joined on the journey to Oz. We suspect that they were also not surprised when he is awarded a symbol of philanthropy (a heart) by the wise if huckstering Oz. The heart symbol acknowledges his generosity. In many ways, the Tin Man exemplifies both the introverted Azure Blue and extraverted Azure Blue perspective and practices.
This brings us to the third character, who is the loveable Cowardly Lion. Once again, we find ourselves traveling down the Yellow Brick Road (having faced the threats of the Wicked Witch and her minions). In the midst of a terrifying forest, Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man (along with Dorothy’s dog, Toto), a ferocious lion appears. He roars and threatens everyone—except Toto. It is only when Toto challenges the lion that we discover the ferocity is only bluster.
The lion is a big fraidy-cat and soon acknowledges that he needs a whole lot of additional courage. Unlike the Scarecrow and Tin Man, the Lion starts as an extrovert and then becomes more of an introvert, with a final transformation back to extroversion, while all the time assuming a Ruby Red preference. The initial extraverted Ruby Red is all bluster, as is often the case with a “blow-hard” Ruby Red. They are strutting around in front of the tent, pretending to be brave and smart. These folks are likely to be highly dependent on the aide (and other staffers) remaining in the tent. They might even race back into the tent on occasion to receive some support, guidance, and encouragement from the indispensable aide. It is back in the tent, when and where the Ruby Red takes on an introverted attitude. Like the Lion, they reveal their fears and their concerns about being found out as a fraud–a “big fraidy cat.”
It is in the three-part transformation of the Lion that we find some of Frank Baum’s greatest insights into leadership during the early 1930s—and perhaps leadership in the mid-2020s. Many political men and some women of his era and of today huff and puff their way into leadership, making a strong case for their strength. And then they “wimp” out, taking only an expedient stance on important issues, and becoming petty when they should be resolute. Fortunately for Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man, the Lion’s extraversion eventually comes to the surface. Once again, we witness a transformation on the way to Oz. Many courageous acts (along with a whole lot of fear) are displayed by our Lion—especially when Dorothy is being threatened. Like with many Ruby Reds, the Lion’s bluster is mixed with some real caring and real courage. The Lion’s caring and courage are acknowledged by the Wizard, who awards this lovable character a medal of bravery. How many of our mid-21st-century leaders should receive this medal? Not many . . .
