‘Twas a week before Christmas

When all through the town

Every creature was stirring

As video meetings abound.

Work products were paused

By the employees with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas

Soon would be there.

 

The colleagues were dressy

From the waist up, it’s true

Remembering office parties and merriment

And feeling a bit blue.

 

Every face was covered

With masks and face shields

Sending grandma food from a distance

All portioned and sealed.

 

When suddenly my email

Ping and ponged with a clatter

I sprang to my standing desk

To see what was the matter.

 

A problem with your colleagues

I dialed in with a flash

Together we talked

A manager was brash.

 

Our talking revealed

Mean words fallen like snow

Tainting relationships and productivity

Above and below.

 

When what to my wondering eyes

Should appear

An enlightened and humble leader

Oh what a dear!

 

With kindness and generosity

So lively and quick

I knew in a moment

She was sent by St. Nick!

 

More rapid than eagles

Her words and actions they came

And she praised and appreciated

As she called them by name.

 

Now Work Ethic!

Now Kindness!Now Humor and Vixen!

On Patience! On Collaboration!

On Caring and Blitzen!

 

The pandemic started in March 

And then all through the fall,

Necessitating accountability, flexibility

Appreciation to all.

 

The leader wrote notes of good cheer

And gave her team a big whistle

And away they all flew

Like the down of a thistle.

 

But I heard her exclaim

As she rode out of sight

“Happy Christmas to all,

And to all a good night!”