Napoleon Hill coined the concept of the mastermind alliance in his classic book Think and Grow Rich. He believed that a group of like-minded, achievement-oriented individuals could dramatically leverage each other's success.
The old adages still hold true today, "the sum of the whole is greater than its parts" and "two heads are better than one". More and more today people in business are harnessing the power of mastermind groups to think bigger. Combining the power of several minds to solve problems, seek advice, different perspectives and achieve goals, simply creates greater results than "going it alone".
Mastermind groups commit to showing up and contributing to the success of each other. They become trusted confidants who rely on each other for priceless insights, candid feedback, valuable ideas, encouragement, inspiration and motivation.
Mastermind Group Types
Essentially, the types of groups are as endless as your imagination. Mastermind groups in large companies frequently consist of managers from different divisions, internal client groups who serve each other, or new leaders who want to further their development. Some mastermind groups are industry specific. They can be Financial Planners, Coaches, or Supply Chain Managers who commit to learning from each other. Small business owners often create mastermind groups to develop strategies, share lessons learned and resources.
The Planning Process
The first and most important step in forming a successful mastermind group is planning. Details can be fine-tuned once the group is formed, but having a clear picture up front will increase your chances of getting the right people the first time around. It will also help you communicate with potential members.
What will be the group's purpose and objectives? Be sure to think through both "what it is" and "what it is not". For example, a mastermind group is typically not a leads network.
What are the ground rules and boundaries? What's ok and not ok? And don't forget to plan for how the ground rules will be enforced.
How large will the group be? Groups typically have less than 10 members.
Where, how often, and how long will you meet? Some groups meet virtually through teleconference or the internet. The virtual groups usually meet more often. Other groups meet in person. They typically meet monthly or quarterly for a couple of hours.
How will meetings be structured? Some are structured with a facilitator and an agenda, some allot equal time to each member, some simply focus on the most pressing issues.
Who is the "ideal" member for your group? What are their characteristics? What is their expertise? What value will they add to the group?
Where To Find Members
Don't forget, finding the "ideal" member is the goal. Warm bodies do not equal "ideal" members. Some places to look for "ideal" members: Your existing network; Professional Associations; Chamber of Commerce; Your place of worship; Internet bulletin boards or networking groups; etc.
Managing Expectations
Everyone in the group needs to understand that there is a development curve in forming a mastermind group. While you're ramping up, members need to have open and honest conversations about group norms and expectations. These conversations solidify buy-in, begin to build bonds, and lay the foundation for trust.
Being a part of a successful mastermind group can be an invaluable and enriching experience, both personally and professionally. Some groups have literally shared the evolution of entire careers with each other. Wouldn't that be an amazing experience to look back on? Now that's what I call "power".
About The Author
Lora Adrianse is passionate about inspiring the enrichment of growth and development in others. As the owner of Essential Connections, she is a catalyst for clients who aspire to achieve extraordinary results. She is the coach of choice for people who desire to unleash their potential and maximize their personal and professional development. She is accomplished in developing employees at all levels, a seasoned business manager, and an expert in building solid business relationships with customers as well as other business partners. Her natural instincts enrich her ability to get to the heart of the real business issues people face today. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com, www.connectionscoach.com
tidy up service Glenview ..Back in my early marketing days, finding the magic ticket... Read More
Use birthdays and other gift-giving holidays to help reach your... Read More
Pain. All of us have felt that emotion some time... Read More
In individualistic success models, success is not due to the... Read More
I remember, about 35 years ago, reading two books by... Read More
To make change effective, you have to BE what you... Read More
"Fear Factor" is one of my favorite TV shows. It... Read More
"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my... Read More
The starting point of all great success and achievement is... Read More
We own a home on the island of Puerto Rico... Read More
There are "How to" seminars on virtually every business topic.... Read More
I bet you want to be wealthy, but somehow the... Read More
We live in the information age, dominated by the development... Read More
"The principal purpose of business is to create a customer."... Read More
Recently I stumbled across a list of Microsoft Interview questions... Read More
Understand and apply this one secret to your own life,... Read More
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be... Read More
When I decided to have my web site built, I... Read More
Self-change is a personal phenomenon. In order to accomplish it,... Read More
You can be a master achiever by developing the same... Read More
"If you think you can or you think you can't... Read More
The sun crept over the horizon and lodged itself above... Read More
I'll let you in on a little secret...life delivers pretty... Read More
If we hope to achieve any worthwhile goal it will... Read More
An acquaintance of mine once lamented that she was utterly... Read More
maid service near Winnetka ..If you are sick and tired of the dreaming phase... Read More
This is a little primer on how to start, survive... Read More
Whenever I'm feeling stuck in a rut, I go out... Read More
My life is a bubble; but how much solid cash... Read More
I have noticed that though my clients often have created... Read More
One of the inevitabilities of University life is the examination.... Read More
The 72,500 men, women and children sat in an uncomfortable... Read More
Last month Along The Purpose Path was about how to... Read More
Get professional help There's no rule that says you have... Read More
There are certain laws that when obeyed will bring great... Read More
Quote of the month: Am I working to live or... Read More
A wonderful quote by author and scholar William A. Ward... Read More
What is an ANT? An ANT is an acronym for... Read More
Have you been struggling for years to accomplish some goals... Read More
Do you know that there is a formula for attaining... Read More
Everybody suffers rejection at some time or another in their... Read More
Everyone wants to be successful. Everyone wants to have more,... Read More
It sounds simple- right? You are where you THINK you... Read More
Success is a journey and along the way we need... Read More
The best and fastest way to learn how to make... Read More
If we eat too much at home, the public eventually... Read More
Periodically re-check and refine (or redefine) your goals It's no... Read More
Never settle for what you can currently imagine You are... Read More
If you could choose a cartoon character from your childhood... Read More
No matter what goals and dreams you desire, there's a... Read More
Success |