The Baker's Dozen

When I was little and living in a small country town, we had a man called Dadda who would drive around and deliver the bread. He often gave my sister and buns with pink icing. Yum!

Because of this I have lovely associations about bakers and their generosity and I understand the expression, the baker's dozen this way. In case you are unfamiliar with the term, a bakers dozen is thirteen items but charged as twelve. It's a little extra. A gift with purchase.

However, the origins of the term "baker's dozen" were rooted in mistrust. Their were strict rules about the size of loaves of bread and severe punishments if they were not adequate. So to stay on the right side of the law and avoid being flogged and imprisoned, bakers would add an extra loaf.

But for me, the baker's dozen will always represent a gesture of generosity and going above and beyond. In our modern work culture, striving to provide a little extra can make a big difference in our careers and relationships.

It can show up in lots of ways, like helping a coworker with a project, or taking the time to listen and offer support when someone is struggling.

It's also important to cultivate a culture of generosity within your workplace. Encourage others by recognising and rewarding acts of kindness and generosity. This could be as simple as offering a compliment or expressing gratitude for a job well done. Remember that acts of generosity don't have to be grand gestures - sometimes it's the small things that make the biggest impact.

So, as you navigate your career and personal relationships, consider how you embody the spirit of the baker's dozen. By going above and beyond and offering a little extra, you can create a more fulfilling and rewarding life for yourself and those around you.

#doonethingbetter #generosity #encouragement