Imagining the Opposite

In a work life one endures many bosses.

I count myself lucky to have had one

For whom I had unreserved respect,

From whom I learned plenty because

He knew so much about many subjects.

He mastered details of many disciplines

In our complicated, technical industry

So one could learn as much as one's

Ambition required or curiosity tolerated.

He observed and rewarded one’s efforts.

Complete competences of technicalities

Must be balanced with understanding

The mysteries of managing people with

Various quirks, different gifts, inabilities

And earning their desire to follow you.

Considering what one wants in a national

Leader.  I would want a reader, a scholar,

Quite the least likely type to get the job,

But an affable fellow or woman who made

Friends easily, quickly recognized enemies.

Whose thoughts sought the long view and

Kept short term effects in perspective,

Not greatly concerned with being first,

Sensitive to injuring others needlessly

Because no nation needs more enemies.

One who knew a lot of history, traveled,

Spoke at least one other language well

Enough to get around, who could play

A musical instrument, who had learned

From ample mistakes a life can’t avoid.