Most of us know what a mastermind group is in theory. However, many of us have been never joined one or benefited by the wisdom and support offered within such a powerful joint effort. In any given endeavor, an individual may pursue self set goals independently. No matter how talented, gifted, outstandingly creative and bright that person may be, the collective energy of a group of like-minded people sharing knowledge and support will always enhance, motivate, and expedite that person’s goal achievement. There is great power in numbers.
Several months ago I was invited to join a mastermind for the first time in my life. The only thing that I really knew was what I had read about it in Napoleon Hill’s book; “Think and Grow Rich”. This is a non-fiction book, I highly recommend to anyone who is looking forward to creating great success, wealth, and recognition in his or her life. In the book, the author describes that the energy created by multiple minds working together to achieve goals collectively and ultimately for the good of all the members is an effective way to succeed at accelerated speeds.
A mastermind group is dedicated to supporting achievement through positive thinking, collaboration and accountability. The members of the group do not necessarily have to be working employees of a particular Corporation or a business entity. However, it is important that the members be like-minded people working to gather to help one another achieve their goals, celebrate their wins, forgiving each other their mistakes, share their knowledge and resources freely with honesty and with an absence of selfish ulterior motives.
Who and how many people comprise a mastermind group?
A mastermind group is composed of 6 to 8 people.
A mastermind group can be with in a Corporation or composed of independent business owners, students, or any group who is seeking a catalyst in their pursuits. Since one minds working alone can never have the same power that a group of minds can create, it becomes crystal clear how one and all benefit from joining or creating a mastermind group.
How to get started with your own mastermind group?
Here are a few tips;
1. Select your group carefully. It is very important that you create mastermind principle that all members agree to uphold and are accountable to.
2. The mastermind group should meet weekly at a specific time and for a specific length of time. For example, if your group is within a Corporation and is part of the sales force for the West Coast, or part of the accounts payable department, the facilitator or the creator of the mastermind group will solicit the core operation for all the members to make that commitment to honor that meeting time. There must be a spirit of total accountability to oneself and to all the members of the group.
3. You must have a set of principles that the mastermind members agree to. The principles should be read at the beginning of each meeting. Each member at that point will have a designated time to state their wins, goals for the coming week, ask for support in areas where they feel they need guidance. Time should be carefully monitored by one of the members of the group each week. Responsibilities should alternate.
4. Create a Dedication and Covenant: Example: I now have a covenant in which it is agreed that the Mastermind shall supply me with an abundance of all things necessary to live a success-filled and happy life. I dedicate myself to be of maximum service to God and my fellow human beings, to live in a manner that will set the highest example for others to follow and to remain an open channel of God’s will. I go forth with a spirit of enthusiasm, excitement and expectancy,
Mastermind Essentials Recap:
• Accept partners as there are.
• Focus on effective communications.
• Know and feel complete trust.
• Connect: Intellectually, Spiritually, Emotionally
•Show respect to one another.
• Share wins.
• Ask for support when you need it.
• Share resources.
• Work as one for the good of all members.
Time, or the lack of time always seems to be an issue in the lives of goal orientated professionals. While I can understand the reluctance on the part of many to make the commitment to join such a group, I can only share what I have found to be true and share my experience so you see what you stand to gain by organizing or joining a mastermind. The knowledgeable gained from your partners will eliminate any doubt of the value of forming or joining such a partnership and far out weigh the time you will devote.
