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

Good Employment News!

We have heard good employment news lately.  The unemployment rate in US continues to decline, and there are numerous advertisements for open positions.  What will be the result of jobs being filled and a reduction in the unemployed?  At North Dallas Shared Ministries where I do counseling each week, the number of individuals seeking a job is declining.

I would think that we will be seeing increases in pay rates with or without a raise in the minimum.  Higher wages typically require great skills among competing job seekers. 

What is the message to the yet unemployed?  I think that you should make every effort to increase your skill set.  For many, it is essential that you obtain a GED or high school certificate.  Further is critical that you increase your technical skills because many job openings require computer and other such skills.  Further, it is important to obtain proficiency in the English language.  

What is your advice for the job seekers? Please share your feelings with readers of this blog by posting a comment or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

 

Thanks!  Glyn

Bring on 2015 – We’re Ready and Hopeful

An editorial in the January 3, 2015, of The Wall Street Journal, “Bring on 2015 – We’re Ready and Hopeful” by Peggy Noonan got me thinking about 2015. 

Are you beginning this New Year with a positive or negative attitude?  Noonan writes “I’m approaching the new year with hope, which is not the same as optimism.  Hope is not the just expectation that things will turn around for the better, but the belief that they can … It invites not passive anticipation but active repair and restoration.”

Historian Amity Shlades says “A good resolution for 2015: Humility in art. A second resolution: Cause the forgotten to be remembered – Looking forward by looking back.”

The article includes several positive comments about 2015 by Jeb Bush, Ohio Senator Rob Portman, Mary Kissel of the WSJ, Boone Pickens, Historian Harry Evans, former White House Secretary  Dana Perino, Maureen Orth of Vanity Fair, attorney Lloyd Green, and Washington entrepreneur Jeremy Shane, and Father Gerald Murry, pastor of the Holy Family in New York City.

I found these comments constructive for 2015, and I think that if we approach all situations with a positive attitude, good results will surely be found.

How do you feel about the potential of 2015?  Please share your feelings with readers of this blog by posting a comment or emailing at mailto:glynjordan@gmail.com.   

Thanks!  Glyn