Dear Supervisor

Dear Supervisor:

You see me everyday… with many faces…
In many jobs… possessing many skills…
I am your subordinate.

I am employee number 584756,
Occupying a full-time position,
Allocated to cost center 4938864.
But I have a name and distinct personality too,
Just like you.

If I complain about a petty thing,
Maybe I am saying more than you hear:
That I am human being, with feelings.
And just like you,
I want attention too.

When I belabor a point that seems unimportant,
Maybe what I am really saying
Is that I consider my opinion important.
And I am just like you,
I want someone to listen to me too.

And when a new policy is announced
And I rebel against the change
Maybe I honestly don’t know why.
You see, I am just like you,
I want my questions answered too.

Some days you smile and some days you frown.
And I understand;
Your life is full of good days and bad days.
Do you understand I have good and bad days too,
I am just like you.

And when I gripe about this or that,
Please don’t write me off as a “troublemaker”.
Haven’t you ever griped before?
I am just like you,
I need to let off steam too.

And if I ask something of you
And you know it cannot be done,
Please don’t try to “con” me,
Remember, I’m just like you,
I’d rather hear a no than a maybe that never comes true.

If sometimes I do not show initiative, there may be a reason.
Maybe I’m confused and really don’t understand
what you want me to do.
I am just like you,
At times I need direction too.

Sometimes I rebel when you criticize me
For something I have done wrong - and you’re probably right -
But that tone of your voice can destroy my day.
Remember, I am just like you,
I want respect too.

If this letter sounds like I placed all the blame on you,
Then I’ve failed to say what I mean.
I just wanted to tell you,
From my point of view,
All in all, I am just like you.