A fair system of handicapping should be
adopted in every case where equal opportunity
to win is not possessed by all. Previous records
often make successful bogies, and should be
more extensively employed.
It is possible to carry on contests between
individuals in the same department without
jealousies, but skill is required to conduct
them. There is the danger that individuals
will seek to win by hindering others as well
as by exerting themselves. Where it is not
possible to carry on a contest and retain a
feeling of comradeship between the men, no
competition should be encouraged.
CHAPTER IV
LOYALTY
AS A MEANS OF INCREASING HUMAN EFFICIENCY
DELAYED by a train of accidents, a
big contractor faced forfeiture of his
bond on a city tunnel costing millions
of dollars. He had exhausted his ingenuity
and his resources to comply with the terms of
his contract, but had failed. Because public
opinion had been condemning concessions on
other jobs on flimsy grounds, the authorities
refused to extend the time allowed for completing
the work. By canceling the contract,
collecting the penalty, and reletting the task,
the city would profit without exceeding its
legal rights.
In his dilemma, he called his foremen
together and explained the situation to them.
``Tell the men,'' he said. Many of these
<p 75>
<p 76>
had been members of his organization for
years, moving with him from one undertaking
to the next, looking to him for employment,
for help in dull seasons or in times of misfortune,
repaying him with interest in their
tasks and a certain rough attachment.
He had been unusually considerate, adopting
every possible safeguard for their protection,
recognizing their union, employing three shifts
of men, paying more than the required scale
when conditions were hard or dangerous.
A score of unions were represented in the
organization: miners, masons, carpenters,
plasterers, engineers, electricians, and many
grades of helpers. Learning his plight, they
rallied promptly to his aid. They appealed
to their trades and to the central body of
unions to intervene in his behalf with the city
officials.
_How One Considerate Employer was protected
by his Men_
As taxpayers, voters, and members of an
organization potentially effective in politics,
<p 77>
they approached the mayor and the department
heads concerned. They pointed out--
what was true--that the city's negligence in
prospecting and charting the course of the
tunnel was partly responsible for the contractor's
failure. They pleaded that the city
should make allowances rather than interrupt
their employment, and that the delay in the
work would counterbalance any advantage
contingent on forfeiture. They promised also
that if three additional months were given the
contractor, they would _*do all in their power to
push construction_.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account