Work is incredibly important to me because it provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It's not just about the tasks or projects, but about the impact and value that work brings to others and to me. When work is meaningful and aligns with one's values, it becomes a source of motivation and satisfaction.

I have a saying: TGIM -- Thank God It’s Monday. I can’t wait to get back to work. When you find joy in your work, it becomes more than a job; it becomes a calling.

TGIM is a philosophy that encourages a positive and enthusiastic approach to the start of the workweek. It's about fostering a professional environment where employees are excited to return to work after the weekend, rather than dreading it. This mindset is rooted in the belief that work should be engaging, fulfilling and even fun.

Implementing TGIM in the workplace involves creating a culture and environment that employees are eager to be a part of. A workplace that values its people and purpose transforms Mondays from a day of dread to a day of opportunity.

Here are some strategies to achieve this:

Foster a positive work environment. Encourage open communication and transparency between management and employees. Recognize and celebrate achievements regularly, whether big or small. Create a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and respected.

Promote work-life balance. Offer flexible working hours or remote work options where possible. Encourage employees to take breaks and use their vacation time to recharge. Provide resources for stress management and mental health support.

Align work with purpose. Help employees understand how their roles contribute to the company's mission and goals. Encourage employees to set personal and professional development goals. Provide opportunities for employees to work on projects that align with their interests and strengths.

Encourage continuous learning. Offer training programs, workshops and seminars to help employees grow their skills. Support employees in pursuing further education or certifications. Create a mentorship program to foster knowledge-sharing and growth.

Incorporate fun and humor. Organize team-building activities and social events to strengthen relationships. Create a fun and relaxed atmosphere with themed days or casual dress dates. Encourage a culture of humor where appropriate, to lighten the mood and boost morale. For example, we have an ice cream truck come to our company twice each summer.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a workplace where employees are eager to start their week, leading to increased engagement, productivity and overall job satisfaction.

Here’s a story to illustrate my point. In a bustling city, there was a traffic cop named Tim. He was famous for his enthusiastic dance moves while directing traffic. Rain or shine, he would twirl, spin and moonwalk his way through the busiest intersections, much to the delight of passersby.

One day, a curious reporter stopped by to ask Tim why he danced while directing traffic.

Tim grinned and replied, “Well, I figured if I must stand here all day, I might as well have some fun! Plus, it keeps me warm in the winter and cool in the summer.”

His infectious energy not only made his job more enjoyable but also brought smiles to the faces of drivers and pedestrians alike. Tim's love for his work was so contagious that even the grumpiest commuters couldn't help but tap their steering wheels to the beat.

The city eventually recognized Tim's unique contribution by naming him the “Dancing Cop,” and he became a local legend. His story reminded everyone that when you infuse passion and joy into your work, it can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

When you enjoy your job, it shines through in everything you do, turning even the most mundane tasks into memorable experiences.

As one of my favorite authors Dale Carnegie said, “Throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours.”

Mackay's Moral: When you love what you do, Mondays become a new opportunity, not a burden.

He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.)

Mike was an IT worker in a bustling office. One day, a frantic employee rushed to Mike's desk, panicking because her computer had frozen just as she was about to finish an important report.

Mike, who was known for his quirky sense of humor and empathetic nature, calmly said, “Ah, the computer's just taking a little nap. Let's gently wake it up.” He then proceeded to perform his IT magic, all the while cracking jokes about how computers have a mind of their own and sometimes just need a little TLC.

As he worked, Mike listened to the employee's concerns about meeting her deadline. He empathized with her stress and reassured her that he would do everything possible to get her back on track. Within minutes, he had resolved the technical issue and turned a stressful situation into a memorable moment.

This is a scenario that most of us can relate to -- and how grateful we are when we find a “Mike” who can make things right without making us feel ignorant. That’s empathy.

Empathy plays a significant role in business. Its importance cannot be overstated.

Simply put, “Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing,” according to psychologist and author Marshall B. Rosenberg.

Empathy builds strong customer relationships. Empathy allows businesses to truly understand the needs and desires of their customers. By putting themselves in their customers' shoes, businesses can tailor their products and services to meet those needs effectively. When customers feel understood and valued, their overall experience improves, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Encourage customers to share their experiences and feedback. Use this information to improve products and services, demonstrating that you value their input and are committed to continuous improvement.

Train your customer service teams to actively listen to customers, acknowledging their concerns and emotions. This involves giving full attention, asking clarifying questions and reflecting on what the customer has said to ensure understanding. This shows customers that you value them as individuals and are committed to meeting their specific needs.

In all customer interactions, use language that conveys understanding and empathy. For example, instead of saying, “That's our policy,” you might say, “I understand how that might be frustrating. Let's see how we can resolve this for you.”

“When you show deep empathy toward others, their defensive energy goes down, and positive energy replaces it,” said Stephen Covey, American educator, author, businessman and speaker. “That’s when you can get more creative in solving problems.”

Empathy fosters a positive work environment. Empathetic leaders and managers can create a supportive and inclusive work environment. Employees who feel understood and appreciated are more engaged and motivated. Empathy in the workplace can lead to higher job satisfaction, reducing employee turnover and the associated costs of hiring and training new staff.

Recognize and appreciate employees' efforts and achievements. This can be as simple as a personalized thank-you note or public acknowledgment during team meetings.

Employees have diverse personal needs and responsibilities. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, can demonstrate empathy and support work-life balance.

Mediate conflicts by understanding the perspectives of all parties involved. Encourage open dialogue and seek solutions that address the underlying concerns and emotions.

Empathy drives innovation and collaboration. Empathy fosters an environment where employees feel safe to share their ideas and perspectives, leading to increased innovation and creativity. Understanding and valuing each team member's perspective promotes collaboration and strengthens team dynamics.

Empathy enhances brand reputation. Companies that demonstrate empathy in their business practices are often seen as responsible corporate citizens, which can enhance their brand reputation and attract customers who value ethical practices. Empathetic responses during crises can help businesses maintain trust and credibility with their stakeholders.

Empathy is not just a soft skill; it's a strategic advantage that can lead to better customer relationships, a more engaged workforce and a stronger brand reputation.

Mackay's Moral: In business, empathy is the bridge that connects your company to the hearts and minds of your customers and employees.

He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.)

Tim decided to take up jogging to improve his health. He was determined to run a marathon, even though he had never run more than a mile in his life.

On his first day of training, Tim donned his new running gear and set off with enthusiasm. However, after just a few blocks, he was already out of breath and ready to quit. But Tim was extremely persistent. He thought, “If I can't run, I'll walk.”

So, Tim kept at it, day after day. He jogged and walked through his training sessions. His neighbors would often see him out and about, huffing and puffing, and they'd cheer him on with shouts of encouragement.

Finally, the day of the marathon arrived. As Tim lined up with the other runners, he felt a mix of excitement and dread. But he was determined to finish, no matter what. And finish he did -- albeit several hours after the winner crossed the line.

I know exactly what Tim was feeling, having completed 10 marathons and several half-marathons.

Perseverance might not make you the fastest, but it will get you to the finish line with a story worth telling!

President Calvin Coolidge, never a person to waste words, said there was one main ingredient needed in our lives to ensure success: Perseverance.

In business, prospects may seem darkest when really, they are about to turn. A little more perseverance, a little more effort and what seemed a hopeless failure may turn into a glorious success. There is no failure except in no longer trying.

Perseverance is an incredibly important skill set both professionally and personally. It separates the winners from the losers. Those who persevere understand that luck is something only failures believe in. Perseverance is stamina, not intensity. It is continuous work over a long period of time. It serves as the backbone for achieving long-term goals and overcoming the inevitable obstacles that life throws our way.

Perseverance is crucial for career growth. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, starting a new business or tackling a challenging project, the ability to persist in the face of setbacks can set you apart from others.

In the workplace, problems and challenges are commonplace. Perseverance allows you to approach these issues with a mindset geared toward finding solutions rather than being deterred.

Many successful innovations result from persistent efforts to improve or create something new. Perseverance fuels the drive to keep experimenting until you find the right solution.

Whether it's learning a new skill, getting fit or pursuing a personal passion, perseverance helps you stay committed to your goals despite the challenges you might encounter.

Life is full of ups and downs. Perseverance helps build resilience, enabling you to bounce back from failures and continue moving forward.

The journey of personal development often involves stepping out of your comfort zone. Perseverance helps you continue to grow and evolve, even when the path is difficult.

As I often say, “Those who endure, conquer.” Perseverance enables you to push through adversity, much like the stories of Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel or NASA's repeated attempts to reach space.

Perseverance can help you build a legacy of achievements, muscling through when faced with numerous challenges on the path to success.

Perseverance is the fuel that powers the engine of success, both professionally and personally. Keep pushing forward, and you'll find that the journey is just as rewarding as the destination.

Here’s another story to illustrate my point. One day, two frogs accidentally hopped in an extremely deep hole. They tried to leap out, but had no success, so they began to yell and croak until other frogs heard them and came to help. The other frogs said the hole was too deep for them to help, but both frogs kept leaping up the sides of the hole. They leaped for hours, and one of the frogs just gave up and died. The other frog in the hole kept leaping, even though the other frogs kept yelling at him to stop and give up.

Finally, the frog leaped so high that he was able get out. He thanked the other frogs for egging him on. The other frogs didn't know that this frog was actually deaf.

Mackay’s Moral: Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.

He can be reached through his website, www.harveymackay.com, by emailing harvey@mackay.com or by writing him at MackayMitchell Envelope Co., 2100 Elm St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414.)