A Poem On Leadership

Leadership, Steps One Through Three
by Mark Voorsanger


We gave a talk the other day
And this is what we had to say
Just follow these steps, one, two, three
You’ll be amazed at what you see

Your company will grow and grow
Investors will adore you so
Your bottom line will be the tops
As workers pull out all the stops

Got bad morale? Now don’t despair it
Our three steps will fast repair it
Or flagging sales? Just listen here
Steps one through three will make them dear

Three simple steps, that’s all it takes
Just follow them for goodness sakes
They’re all a leader has to do
Your company depends on you

But if you don’t, then be forewarned
You’ll suffer woes, be roundly scorned
Employees will detest their bosses
Investors will lament their losses

And customers will run away
Competitors will have their day
Your efforts will have been in vain
Your brand will go right down the drain

So use our steps and be the first
Get out in front, watch profits burst
It’s so simple, forget your fears
You’ll be extolled for years and years

What are the steps?  Okay we’ll list them
Have pen in hand or else you’ll miss them
But just in case you’re not prepared
Initially, you might feel scared

Don’t fret, it’s normal to react
These steps are new, and might seem whacked
Don’t let their novelty off-put you
Trust the process and they’ll suit you

With that preamble, now we’re free
To list our steps one, two and three

Step one is simple, but never easy
It’s “Trust your people”, does that sound cheesy?
Let them fall and never blame them
Ask “what’d you learn”, but never flame them

Trust creates conditions where
Your people’s brilliance comes to bear
On every opportunity
So trust your people, watch and see

Step two is harder, but worth the ends
It’s “Treat your folks as your best friends”
Pay attention, be of service
Lend a hand when they are nervous

We all can tell when others care
And when they don’t, then we won’t dare
To take the risk to be ourselves
We leave our best upon the shelves

Step three, it is the hardest one
So listen up, and we’ll be done
It’s “Speak your truth with humility,
Stay open to what others see”

This step has power, but it won’t fly
Without steps one and two nearby
And all together, steps one two three
Will generate results you’ll see

So heed this call, you won’t regret it
Reread this blog and don’t forget it
Fasten your seat belt, enjoy the ride
And take your new success in stride

And by the way, these steps are true
For everyone, including you
So trust yourself, be your best friend,
Speak truth inside and do attend

For you’ll be lost if you don’t start
With what’s inside, your mind, your heart
Good luck, dear leader, staying true
To these three steps, our gift to you