Here’s another Bondi flash mob, if you have another 5 minutes.  Filmed last week as a promo for next year’s Mardi Gras.  Warning: Contains disco music.

Since this year’s unforgettable Vinnies CEO Sleepout, to raise awareness of homelessness, some wonderful things have happend for the homeless people we met on the night. 
 
Thanks to one of the very generous participating leaders, Renee Thackam from TalentCake; Tony can proudly lay claim to this video of his cover version of the song ‘Everyday People’.

Making this video has been a very inspiring project for Tony and it’s also inspiring to watch.  Please support Tony and his friends by viewing the video and forwarding the link to others.

Today we have a bumper issue of distractions for your Friday afternoon:

1.  Can’t you see I’m busy?  When I saw this website mentioned on ‘Hungry Beast’ on ABC TV the other night, I knew it would be perfect for this email.  It has a variety of games that make it look like you’re working while you play.  (Tip:  Doesn’t work if you’re the boss, I’ve found!) 

2.  Needing some motivation?  You can download a free book of ‘employee engagement tips’ in single sentences, collected from hundreds of experts. 

3.  Some demotivation? Fans of Despair Inc will appreciate their 2010 calendars. 

4.  Still in need of more distraction?  (You really should be getting back to work now!)  I’m sure the websites listed in this article will help.

There’s no longer any question whether transit companies should hire women for jobs formerly held by men. The draft and manpower shortage has settled that point. The important things now are to select the most efficient women available and how to use them to the best advantage. Here are eleven helpful tips on the subject from western properties:

1. If you can get them, pick young married women. They have these advantages, according to the reports of western companies: they usually have more of a sense of responsibility than do their unmarried sisters; they’re less likely to be flirtatious; as a rule, they need the work or they wouldn’t be doing it – maybe a sick husband or one who’s in the army; they still have the pep and interest to work hard and to deal with the public efficiently.

2. When you have to use older women, try to get ones who have worked outside the home at some time in their lives. Most transportation companies have found that older women who have never contacted the public, have a hard time adapting themselves, are inclined to be cantankerous and fussy. It’s always well to impress upon older women the importance of friendliness and courtesy.

3. While there are exceptions, of course, to this rule, general experience indicates that “husky” girls – those who are just a little on the heavy side – are likely to be more even-tempered and efficient than their underweight sisters.

4. Retain a physician to give each woman you hire a special physical examination – one covering female conditions. This step not only protects the property against the possibilities of lawsuit but also reveals whether the employee-to-be has any female weaknesses which would make her mentally or physically unfit for the job. Transit companies that follow this practice report a surprising number of women turned down for nervous disorders.

5. In breaking in women who haven’t previously done outside work, stress at the outset the importance of time – the fact that a minute or two lost here and there makes serious inroads on schedules. Until this point is gotten across, service is likely to be slowed up.

6. Give the female employee in garage or office a definite day-long schedule of duties so that she’ll keep busy without bothering the management for instructions every few minutes. Numerous properties say that women make excellent workers when they have their jobs cut out for them but that they lack initiative in finding work themselves.

7. Whenever possible, let the inside employee change from one job to another at some time during the day. Women are inclined to be nervous and they’re happier with change.

8. Give every girl an adequate number of rest periods during the day. Companies that are already using large numbers of women stress the fact that you have to make some allowances for feminine psychology. A girl has more confidence and consequently is more efficient if she can keep her hair tidied, apply fresh lipstick and wash her hands several times a day.

9. Be tactful in issuing instructions or in making criticisms. Women are often sensitive; they can’t shrug off harsh words the way that men do. Never ridicule a woman – it breaks her spirit and cuts her efficiency.

10. Be reasonably considerate about using strong language around women. Even though a girl’s husband or father may swear vociferously, she’ll grow to dislike a place of business where she hears too much of this.

11. Get enough size variety in operator uniforms that each girl can have a proper fit. This point can’t be stressed too strongly as a means of keeping women happy, according to western properties.

This article is real. It was written by L.H. Sanders and appeared in the July 1943 edition of Mass Transportation magazine.

The optimism, exuberance and idealism of youth!  Isn’t it wonderful? 

(This is the opening sentence of an essay I just marked as part of the Managing and Developing Careers course at UWS.  Gives you some idea of why I enjoy it.) 

Similar qualities are demonstrated by Taronga Zoo’s baby elephant Luk Chai in today’s video.

Give your tired brain a couple of minutes’ rest while you enjoy Hugh Laurie’s Bob Dylan impression.