What is Mojo?
A BRIEF HISTORY
Mojo traces its roots to Congo, Africa, from the word “moyo,” meaning “soul” or “life-force.” A mojo is a type of magic charm that is typically worn or carried for its supernatural powers, such as protection from evil, attracting love, or bringing good luck. Once created, the mojo is “fed,” generally with a perfume or oil to keep the spirit within working.
Since that time, the word mojo has emerged in mainstream culture through popular music and movies. Some of the best known references to mojo are:
• Jim Morrison of The Doors, who named himself “Mr. Mojo Risin’” (an anagram of Jim Morrison) in the song “L.A. Woman”
• Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me – the 1999 film in which the title character (played by Mike Myers) has his mojo stolen and loses his confidence and attractiveness.
• Friday Night Lights – The 2004 movie and subsequent TV series was inspired by the Odessa Permian High School Panthers football team, whose rally cry is MOJO.
Mojo is also commonly used as a slang term meanings such as charisma, personal charm or karma.
OUR DEFINITION
Our interpretation of mojo incorporates aspects of all of the above definitions. Mojo is your life force, but rather than being contained in an external object, we believe that it resides within. For us, mojo represents the unique qualities and strengths that are within every single one of us. This is the source of your personal power. When you tap into it, your possibilities and potential are endless. Even teams and organizations have a collective mojo that comes to life when the strengths of every individual are harnessed.
At times, anyone can lose his or her mojo. Our job is to help you find it. Once discovered, your mojo must be “fed” to keep the spirit within working. Our job is to keep it fed.
THE TEN COMMITMENTS
When I first became a manager, I wanted to create something to let my employees know what they could expect from me before I set expectations of them. Thus, The Ten Commitments were born:
• I do not expect anything of you that I do not expect of myself.
• I am committed to your professional (and personal) development.
• I do not expect you to earn my trust, just maintain it.
• I value initiative, perseverance, determination and integrity.
• I will respond to you in a timely fashion.
• I will feed my mojo AND your mojo by playing full-out.
• To the best of my ability, I will clear obstacles that stand in the way of your success.
• Everyone makes mistakes. I view them as learning experiences.
• I will maintain an environment of open communication.
• Attitude is contagious. I choose to walk the high road.
Mojo traces its roots to Congo, Africa, from the word “moyo,” meaning “soul” or “life-force.” A mojo is a type of magic charm that is typically worn or carried for its supernatural powers, such as protection from evil, attracting love, or bringing good luck. Once created, the mojo is “fed,” generally with a perfume or oil to keep the spirit within working.
Since that time, the word mojo has emerged in mainstream culture through popular music and movies. Some of the best known references to mojo are:
• Jim Morrison of The Doors, who named himself “Mr. Mojo Risin’” (an anagram of Jim Morrison) in the song “L.A. Woman”
• Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me – the 1999 film in which the title character (played by Mike Myers) has his mojo stolen and loses his confidence and attractiveness.
• Friday Night Lights – The 2004 movie and subsequent TV series was inspired by the Odessa Permian High School Panthers football team, whose rally cry is MOJO.
Mojo is also commonly used as a slang term meanings such as charisma, personal charm or karma.
OUR DEFINITION
Our interpretation of mojo incorporates aspects of all of the above definitions. Mojo is your life force, but rather than being contained in an external object, we believe that it resides within. For us, mojo represents the unique qualities and strengths that are within every single one of us. This is the source of your personal power. When you tap into it, your possibilities and potential are endless. Even teams and organizations have a collective mojo that comes to life when the strengths of every individual are harnessed.
At times, anyone can lose his or her mojo. Our job is to help you find it. Once discovered, your mojo must be “fed” to keep the spirit within working. Our job is to keep it fed.
THE TEN COMMITMENTS
When I first became a manager, I wanted to create something to let my employees know what they could expect from me before I set expectations of them. Thus, The Ten Commitments were born:
• I do not expect anything of you that I do not expect of myself.
• I am committed to your professional (and personal) development.
• I do not expect you to earn my trust, just maintain it.
• I value initiative, perseverance, determination and integrity.
• I will respond to you in a timely fashion.
• I will feed my mojo AND your mojo by playing full-out.
• To the best of my ability, I will clear obstacles that stand in the way of your success.
• Everyone makes mistakes. I view them as learning experiences.
• I will maintain an environment of open communication.
• Attitude is contagious. I choose to walk the high road.
About Lisa Stefan
Lisa is an accomplished coach and trainer who champions people to discover and leverage their full potential. She has over 15 years of experience working in the government, insurance and pharmaceutical sectors. Lisa excels at working with high performers that manage multiple demands – people that have to manage up, manage down, manage themselves and their careers, and manage the day-to-day business. read more >>Inspiring
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”-- Benjamin Disraeli
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