As my CEO often proudly tells me, "Our work is a gift we give to others." It’s in that spirit that I wish each of you a Happy Labor Day.

What happens when we consider our own work as an act of giving? For those of us employed within an organization, how does our attitude change when we view our work as an offering to others? Because, in many ways it is. There is hardly any job that doesn’t have the potential for positive impact on someone else.

If you are a manager, consider your employees. Your leadership is a gift to them. Your caring and respect and mentoring are gifts. When you help an individual grow in their skills and capabilities, you offer gifts that last much longer than their tenure at your organization.

The act of giving has a unique power to it. Openly giving in the form of a gift takes away much of the helplessness we might experience in our work. Ultimately, it offers a choice: to whom do I want to give my work today? Hopefully, the answer involves your present employer or staff. If not, that’s okay…it’s your gift, your decision, your life. Give with your heart.