Tuesday Morning Coaching

Where’s My Mojo?

Ryan Harris was confused, upset and discouraged. Somehow, he had gone from a bright, energetic, optimistic young manager-trainee to a burned-out mid-level executive. He was unsure of himself, worried about the future and overwhelmed by life. He did not feel like himself at work or home. Harris wanted to regain his spark and turn his career around. He needed to “reboot.” But he had no idea how.

Harris contacted his former boss, author and consultant Jeff Walters. Harris considered Walters an ideal role model and potential teacher. Harris asked Walters to mentor him; Walters agreed. He offered to give Harris mentoring sessions on eight consecutive Tuesdays, a symbolically appropriate day. Managers like Harris often attain success quickly – “on Monday,” so to speak. Then, somehow, they lose their way. “Tuesdays are for getting back on track.”

Walters made a few stipulations. Harris would have to show up on time (7 a.m.), work hard and do his assigned homework on deadline. Harris must agree to “try something different,” without knowing what that might be. He had to be truthful with Walters – and with himself. Finally, Harris agreed to share what ...