The White Elephant, Episode 28, Empathy"

Thanks for your attention everyone. Now, as you know, I attended a conference yesterday and one of the great ideas I learnt was giving members of staff the opportunity to experience what other members of staff do.

You mean a job swap?

So one of you lot is going to try doing my job?! Impossible!

I want you to see what it feels like to be in someone else’s shoes .

But I wouldn’t fit in your shoes.

Not literally Peter. It’s just to understand what other people do - I’ll take your job and you can take mine. And Mary and Gordon you can swap jobs too. Now, I’ll take some orders - can I have your notepad please Peter?

Oh very well. actually, from where I’m standing , it seems like I’ve got the easy job!

We’ll see about that.

So everyone back to work please. Come on Gordon, we need all these plates washed.

I have an order - Four Seasons Vegetable Ragout for two people.

OK, coming right up. Gordon - I’ll need some large bowls washing. and I’ll need that pan. come on, quick as you can.

I hear you ! I just can’t believe I’ve got to do all this.

Well done Mary. you’re doing a great job.

Actually. can you spare me a thought . I’ve got to do all this.

Hmm, I can see where you’re coming from . You can’t cope. you’re fired. Off you go.

You can’t do that!

Peter! Take some pity on him - he’s after all only a washer-upper!

So how’s the job swap going?

He’s sacked me!

Well done. I’ve been trying to do that for months! How’s it going for you Mary?

It’s all fine. All the food’s ready to go. I don’t know why Gordon makes such a fuss about cooking!

Nor do I. But you see in my job, I have to show empathy for people. So Gordon - you can stay. for now.