We can’t credit or blame Alan Stillman, the founder of TGI Friday’s, for the expression “Thank God It’s Friday” or its prevalence in the workplace.
This expression of relief first surfaced in office culture some sixty years ago. I am often surprised to hear it still uttered. One may accuse me of being a workaholic for that comment, but they would be missing my point.
Yes, I do love work, and in fact, I do love Mondays. Not only because it’s the start of the workweek, but it’s also the start of my biological week. For me, Sunday is always the close of the week, not the beginning. That may be because I don’t go to Mass anymore. My Mondays have a double dose of celebration. First, I usually have an action-packed weekend, and if it was fulfilling, then Monday becomes a moment of reflection for a weekend well-lived. Secondly, I am genuinely excited for what my work week is bringing me.
The passion for my workweek includes looking ahead to opportunities to debrief with long-standing clients, excitement about meeting new people, tension around a pitch, or prepping for a public speaking event. Loving what you do for a living doesn’t mean I don’t have a whole life with lots of family time, socializing time, fitness time, reading time, friend time, sports time, and me time. I don’t break down my life into pie charts; it’s just my life.
However, as it comes to work and what the future of work looks like, I wonder when TGIM will replace expressions such as TIGF. For some people, they are going to make this switch on their own, and others are going to have it forced upon them. The third, or third and fourth, group (s) that don’t make this adjustment are going to be in for a permanent challenge as the reality of AI rendering so many middle management-esque tasks redundant. The employee who is comfortable in their comfortable role in their comfortable organization is about to experience massive discomfort.
The TGIM people of the world who are passionate about not only work but life, and can embrace uncertainty by creating their destiny, will have no problem with these massive shifts. Those who have long harboured disdain for their clock-watching colleagues may privately relish the demise of their cubicle, or virtual, teammates. Not that they are applauding another’s misery, but instead they will be welcoming the improvements in their work environment that an energized workplace will bring.
AI poses a threat to those who have no interest in advancing. AI is a playbook for those who embrace change. The roles of the future that will guarantee lifelong employment will be curative, creative, and collaborative. In short, they will be people business roles. Technology will eliminate the processor work we are bogged down with and free up the exciting work many of you relish.
Running over your colleagues to get to work does not make you a slave to the massive enterprise. It provides you with agency to manage your destiny, set your course, and deliver. Unless you, unlike me, have an inheritance that will provide for your family until the end of time, having a profession is a necessity. Funny how in some circles, that has become a negative.
It is a Friday when I am writing this, and I am excited for a weekend away with friends. I hope to read as much as I intend, join the Sunday cottage yoga session, and not swear too much at people in traffic. Come Monday, when my alarm rings, there will be a whole new week of exploration in front of me. A whole new week of great people to collaborate with. A whole new week of innovations to learn about.
TGIF. TGIM. Both can be true at the same time.