A Manager's Mojo

Let’s clarify mojo in business terms, down to charm or influence.

This can also be mistaken for charisma, but we’re going to dive a little deeper today.

I’d say the x-factor in great managers is confidence, but not in the way you might think.

Not confidence in their skills/abilities, but security in who they are.

I’ve witnessed many effective leaders break the stereotype.

• They’re introverted

• They prefer behind-the-scenes roles

• They don’t try to be someone they’re not

Before you get confused let me break this down.

The difference between a secure and insecure leader is how they view themselves.

• A secure leader recognizes their strengths and weaknesses (self-awareness).

• An insecure leader wields their power and controls others by fear.

That’s quite the contrast huh?

 We’ve all experienced the latter, but have you been under the care of the former?

When I hear people tell me they’re looking to quit their jobs, the first question I’ll ask is “how’s your manager?”

At least 80% of the time the answer is “terrible.”

My advice to those who feel supported by their manager is: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Translation: if you have a good thing going. Think twice about leaving for a worse situation.

But back to the mojo analogy…

Have you ever felt a sense of confidence when someone walks by you?

It’s hard to pinpoint, but it’s almost like an aura.

Now you must be discerning whether that’s arrogance or not.

Yet if it isn’t, that leader has mojo.

Think of it as an inner confidence that:

• Happily gives credit to others

• Helps without expecting anything in return

• Truly cares about the development of people

If you lack mojo or are insecure as a leader, you view others as a threat.

It’s really not that hard to see.

• You don’t have to be the loudest in the room.

• You don’t need to be the smartest on your team.

• You don’t have to take credit for someone else’s idea. 

(I’m sure I’m digging up some old wounds now)

In a talk I did recently I used some of the examples above and one of the audience members asked if leadership was present on the (virtual) meeting.

Although he risked getting fired by that comment 😂 there was truth to it because it’s too common of an experience.

Sadly, anyone can explain in detail what a micromanager looks like.

Yet only a select few have experienced being under great leadership.

Here’s my takeaway challenge for you.

1. If you’re an aspiring leader, learn and practice the (soft) skills needed to become a great manager.

2. If you’re a current leader, take a hard look in the mirror and ask what can you be doing better (hint: everyone can improve).

3. Lastly, be bold (protect your employment) and forward this to someone who can benefit from the message. 

The secret to having a manager’s mojo starts with you.

Security comes from being self-aware about your strengths and weaknesses.

Secure leaders know who they are, do more of what they’re good at while admitting they need help in areas.

There is vulnerability and humility in leaders who care about about making people great around them more than bringing attention to themselves.

As a leader, have you lost your mojo or did you ever have one in the first place?

God Bless,

Scott

If you found this helpful and you’re looking to improve your soft skills as a leader, here are ways to work with me directly:

• 🗣 Hire me to speak at your company or next event (watch my speaking reel here)

• 🎤 Invite me to lead an interactive training workshop, remotely or in-person (depending on location)

• 🤝 Start 1:1 coaching with me as a new manager, current leader or executive (I once managed 30 people 1:1 weekly❗️)

Also, you can help me out by forwarding this to friends whom would benefit from it! Thank you!