Three Key Tips for a Successful Mastermind Group

"Health, happiness and success depend upon the fighting spirit of each person. The big thing is not what happens to us in life - but what we do about what happens to us." George Allen

I am always looking for solutions. The concept of the mastermind group is vividly described by Napolean Hill in “Think and Grow Rich”. Consider the people in your life that are supportive of you. Identify the people willing to give you honest feedback and genuinely want the best for you. Who are the mentors, close friends or professional associates that you trust?

You might already have a support system, people you turn to for advice and to confide in. Do you have a network of people you speak with about aspects of your life? The mastermind group will give you accountability and support on the goal that you are working toward. Napolean Hill defined the "Master Mind" as "coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose".

Think about the direction you are heading toward, are your goals primarily personal or professional? This affects the type of people chosen to be in your group. The most successful people realize they do not have all of the answers and look to others for guidance and insight as they work toward specific goals.

The next aspect to consider is the purpose of the mastermind group. One type of mastermind group is solely designed to help you reach your goals. A second alte
ative is to have the people on the group working toward the same goal or project. The other option is to have a group of people that each have goals and they use the group for support in reaching their individual goals. Napolaen Hill states "No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind [the master mind]." The benefit of working toward goals, no matter which type of group you choose, is the insight and accountability you receive from the other members of the group.

There are some specific considerations to increase the success of the group. There will be a range of diverse goals when each person develops their own purpose. One key tip for your success in the group is to be as specific as possible about the direction and goal you are working toward.

The group offers accountability and support. Harmony will develop as the group forms and each person is committed to work toward their goal as well as being a support for the other members of the mastermind group. Because each person is working toward their own goal as they support the other members of the group, this creates an incentive to be fully vested in the group. Creating a safe and healthy group dynamic is necessary for it to function effectively.

A second key tip for success of the group includes having ground rules that are agreed to by all group members. Although many mastermind groups are lay-led without a facilitator, developing norms helps to build trust and commitment. Another option is having a leader who will facilitate the discussion and coordinate the group.

Recognize that having a common goal and meaning for the group by all of the members is the third key tip for success. The mastermind group’s purpose is to advise to help reach peak potential. The bonus is getting a group of people with differing perspectives. Each member is a necessary part of the group offering insights that could help you reach your goals sooner than if you were just working on your own. Each person’s unique experience and perspective will propel you toward attaining your goals at a faster pace than working toward your goal alone.

Mastermind groups can take many different forms. Some of these include King Arthurs Round Table and his advisors, a council, board of directors and support group meetings. As a result of Napolean Hill, mastermind groups are becoming more mainstream.

You are more likely to reach your goals, and at a faster pace, being part of a mastermind group than you are alone. Take the time to determine your goals, choose likeminded people you trust and that have a willingness to participate, then take the next step to developing the group. The payoff will be well worth the time and energy committed to this unique opportunity.

Activity: If were ready to join a mastermind group, what would your primary goal be? Personal or business? Think of people that you know that have been a support for you, whether family, teachers, friends or associates. Consider how these people supported you. A mastermind group can be as small as two people. When forming one it is best to have an even number of members for balance.