Have you ever had a boss in your life that was tough, often scrappy and occasionally difficult, someone who came up the hard way? They might appear impersonal, even inhospitable, at first meeting and early interactions. What do you remember about them?

There are two kinds:

• Rude and Disrespectful. Odds are you didn’t stay around too long; at least I hope not for your sake!

• Hard Shell but Soft Heart. This individual was admittedly hard to read early on. There was a certain toughness about them, but also a twinkle in their eye that hinted at something more. Something deeper. Something better. Something caring, even loving..

While the second type of boss may not be exactly “warm and fuzzy”, they can prove to be endearing over time. This is the nature of the (sometimes) benevolent autocrat, who lives life on their own terms. It can take awhile to figure them out, but it’s worth the trouble.

There was once such a boss named Kramer, who ruled his own little world and the people and pets within it. He lived and he loved, when he felt like it, and he always made his feelings known. He wanted what he wanted, when he wanted it, but would respect the personal space of others while expecting the same from them.

Kramer could be very good company, or no company, depending upon the situation. He was the one who chose the timing and the terms of engagement. It proved to be worth the patience to enjoy those moments. And it was good to know when it was best to leave him alone. Never mean, but sometimes cranky, Kramer signaled his mood. Those who knew him learned to read the signs and understood it was wise to heed them!

Kramer was a mentor of sorts to a procession of pets, always reigning as the family patriarch. Life was good and lessons were taught, just as long as the students respected their teacher. Kramer ruled his own personal ecosystem and others found their own way of interacting within it. In fact, Kramer was a force of nature for a very long time. Just not long enough….

Kramer fue El Jefe Grande, siempre. Él será extrañado. (Kramer was The Big Boss, always. He will be missed.)

Tempus Mazimize!