Why is a baker’s dozen 13 instead of 12?

The next time you get the gift of an extra doughnut added to your dozen, thank crooked 13th-century bakers for the bonus treat. In the 1260s, British bread makers were notorious for shorting customers with skimpy loaves. King Henry III was so irked by the problem that he implemented a new law to standardize the weight of a loaf—selling puny loaves could result in beatings or jail time. Since bakers wanted to stay on the right side of the law, one common trick was to give 13 loaves to any customer buying a dozen. Even if the loaves were light, the extra would cover the shortfall. It was an easy fix for bakers, and since low-carb diets were still seven centuries away, customers rejoiced.

http://mentalfloss.com/article/32259/why-bakers-dozen-13

I was thinking how this old saying might also relate to our conduct at work. As bread customers often thought in the 13^th Century that they did not get a full measure when they purchased bread, perhaps bosses today are thinking that many of their employees are not giving the company its money’s worth in terms of service provided.

My suggestion to all employees today is that they always give their employer a full measure of production – equivalent to 13 doughnuts.  Another saying is ‘going the extra mile.’  My experience at work is that my bosses appreciated my extra effort when I provided it.  In retrospect, I should have been more consistent in my focus on the job.  

Do you think that giving this extra effort will be beneficial to your organization and your career?  Please share your feelings with readers of this blog by posting a comment or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

Thanks!  Glyn