Funny how many new words have crept into the English language. Scanning the Wall Street Journal this morning, I was struck by how this word “Mojo” is now used in leadership critiques even though it has its roots in rather base physical attributes. Here is how an article in Forbes Magazine used the word to describe its meaning:
“Embarking on something new is the most exciting, energizing feeling in the world. We get fired up and can’t stop talking about it, at least for a while. Then, inevitably, we hit a plateau. Stagnation sets in and we lose our mojo. For the purposes here, I’m assuming mojo refers to desire, passion, or motivation. Here are what the best of the best entrepreneurs and venture-backed CEOs do when they’ve lost theirs.”
Hardly a utility industry meeting goes by without the keynote speakers emphasizing that the industry needs to innovate and be entrepreneurial. It certainly seems to be facing stagnation. Is the problem our mojo? Boy, I haven’t heard that from the podium!
Read Forbes Article 7 Ways to Get Your Mojo Back (Yeah, Baby!)
The article points out precisely the elements I have been blogging about. But, I think we all know down deep in our hearts that these seven ways are easy to spout but hard to actually do. They all start with the word “change” and perhaps that is the central problem. We really have almost no reward for change in our lives … it only represents risk. Even if we believe in it, our critics sit around waiting for us to stumble and then point to whatever we try as a crackpot idea … when in most cases it isn’t a bad idea at all. We haven’t given it enough time, enough resources, or studied how to improve it.
Desire and passion for change. Nope. Not going to happen from within the energy industry … or is it?
Then perhaps the industry needs to closely study those with mojo who are trying to change it. What is it they see that you don’t? How can they stay so focused on disrupting your world while you seem so content with believing it will stay the same? Maybe then, rather than make New Year’s resolutions about weight and exercise, we should stop waiting and exercise our mojo.
I wish you all a happy and inspired New Year.