You wear your heart on your sleeve… pfft!

Ode to the very poor managers in my past life… that have motivated me to excel! Poem by Peter J. Cordts

You wear your heart on your sleeve, he said at my year-end review -     Pfft! I said to myself, tell me something different, tell me something new?     Who does this paper tiger really think he is, he doesn’t know me, nor care to have a clue?     He’d wear his heart on his sleeve, if he’d walk a day, a mile or even an hour in my shoe.

His red face sweated as he preached from his squeaking chair -     You take it all too personally, but we do like how much you care?     Ahhh! We know you’re a hard worker, committed and ready to share -     He expected me to dance to his empty words, as if he was my puppeteer?

His meandering words faded as my head tilted like a dog heard a whistle –     His comments felt like I clenched my fist full of thorns on cold winters thistle.     A few “atta-boys” and go “get-ems”, his words were simply artificial -     I know who you are old man – you’re just soulless and hypocritical.

He leaned forward to make a point, then back in his chair to reflect -     I sat in silent amazement, biting my cheek not to interject.     I said to myself, don’t respond with words that I would soon regret -     Just listen to this phony with a title, a lazy man that I simply do not respect.

His demeaning words were his justification to limit my potential -     He droned on as if I cared what he thought, thinking he was influential.     Dude, your words have no meaning since they are inconsequential -     If this is so true, then why do I run your projects that are most preferential?

As you remember, I’ve bailed you out time and time again this past year -     You’ve begged for my help, while touting your accomplishments throughout your career.     I’ve jumped through your mismanaged hoops, in your hostile work atmosphere -     To make you look good in your fiefdom, that you lead in chaos, panic and fear.

Of course I wear my heart on my sleeve for that is what I was taught -     By my father and his and the battles they’ve lost, won and fought.     Should going above and beyond for my client not be a prioritized thought?     I can’t fake the pride in my work, nor be something that I’m not?

Go on with my review old man, continue as you may -     Your one sided conversation simply can’t go on all day?     Jot down your little notes, your innuendos and pontificate away -     Another reason to save the company money, only to keep your job another day.

I don’t work this hard for your pleasure in the web that you tangle -     I’m building a life for my family with the pennies before me you dangle.     My son sees my efforts as his dad and example -     Hurry up old man and finish, so I can fix what you dismantle.

I’m sad to see wasted potential from a man who once knew how to lead –     You now pit us against each other, like an emperor forcing us to fight till we bleed.     What happened to you old man, why have you given up the fight just to concede?     I will not follow in your footsteps, I will battle, not quit and press forward to succeed!

It’s been years since I’ve moved on from that leadership decoy -     He was a babbling child, a vortex, I’m surprised he was ever employed?     Finding myself years removed I am no longer frustrated or annoyed –     But growing from this lesson I am simply overjoyed.   

Yes! I wear my heart on my sleeve, my badge of honor I must confess –     I put it all on the line everyday with everything I have, no more, no less.     I wear it in my smile, my attitude and in the delivery of my projects with no stress -     Taking care of my business, striving only for my client’s success.

I forecast my programs like a new world discoverer -     Mapping my way through potential storms just to avoid a disaster.     With my clients I partner to be their successful deliverer -     Yes! I wear my heart on my sleeve… For I am “The Project Whisperer”!

Some roll their eyes at that title, saying it’s corny to define my ways -     Guess what - It’s my secret to motivate me during my long hard working days.     Our work is not easy with all its starts, stops, starts and delays -     This is not a fad, a posture or just a mere passing phase.

Go on! Take ownership in your work my friend and give yourself a new title -     Call yourself a leader, an expert, a guru or even a management disciple?     Whatever badge you wear, make it bold, true and delightful -     Live by your new moniker and stand strong through your daily battle!

Fear not for those of you who wear your heart on your sleeve -     Take pride in your hard efforts and in your commitments you believe.     Fight the good fight in your battles you will achieve -     Great blessing and success will follow you in all that you conceive!