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
house refresh service Lincolnshire ..Do you think you have an "average" or perhaps an... Read More
If you help yourself, God and humans will help you... Read More
(excerpted from the book Seven Strategies for Wealth and Happiness)Wouldn't... Read More
Of course by now we are all becoming aware of... Read More
How do you define success?According to the Collins dictionary, success... Read More
We must never allow a day to pass without finding... Read More
We're all adults, and most of us probably like to... Read More
"Walk away from the 97% crowd. Don't use their excuses.... Read More
Everything you are or ever will be is completely up... Read More
Once you've made it...throw a Success Shindig! Of course you... Read More
Napoleon Hill, the famous inspirational writer, once met a reader... Read More
The 72,500 men, women and children sat in an uncomfortable... Read More
My studies of the highly successful prove that they continually... Read More
Challenges posed by recent economic and market shifts, though predicted... Read More
Many years ago, forty to be exact, I started my... Read More
Formula For SuccessThe winners in this life know the rules... Read More
I was at a dinner party the other night when... Read More
When Julie looks through the lens of her camera she... Read More
Do you still keep that all important 'Inner Spark Alive'?... Read More
In my private practice for the past 13+ years I... Read More
As a golfer and coach, I've been thrilled to watch... Read More
There are times when we feel we should take action,... Read More
The Chicago Times once printed that Henry Ford was an... Read More
I once heard a speaker use the statement, "I have... Read More
Why is true success so rare?Why does research show that... Read More
licensed cleaning services Lake Forest ..Are you successful? What does that word mean to you?... Read More
Have you ever made plans in your career but never... Read More
Most self-help truths are obvious but obvious truths are often... Read More
This revelation hit me the other day while I was... Read More
Everything we have in life is because of the help... Read More
We all want success. You do. So do I. Some... Read More
How many people do you hear complaining about their job,... Read More
As a child you probably learned failing is bad...Failing meant... Read More
Ok, let me tell you what I mean.As some of... Read More
Choose "impossible" goals When faced with a hard-to-reach goal, your... Read More
We all know as we are progressing towards our personal... Read More
(1) Climb up from under the limitations of circum?stances and... Read More
So many of us want success, but how many of... Read More
I am writing this article to cement two key success... Read More
Do not make the mistake of looking at your failures... Read More
Thoughts move faster than the speed of light.Expectations jump faster... Read More
We must never allow a day to pass without finding... Read More
Do you still keep that all important 'Inner Spark Alive'?... Read More
I was in the gym, pushing my adolescent muscles to... Read More
It has been truly said, and history confirms, that the... Read More
Everyone talks about how to be successful through hard work... Read More
It is accepted that most people have felt shy at... Read More
Are you ready to finally realize your dream? I'm talking... Read More
The TRUE BMI of SUCCESS (B)e a (M)illionaire (I)ndexWhy am... Read More
I have often been asked the question, "What is true... Read More
Success |