Choosing a Mastermind Group.
Some people prefer to chase their dreams or goals as a lone wolf, whilst others prefer to be running with a pack. For those who chose the latter, choosing a mastermind group makes good business sense.
At some point in our lives we have all fallen into a period of procrastination and have probably drank from its bitter cup too.
Gearing oneself up to tackle those steps towards that massive goal should need little incentive, but sometimes it just isn’t that simple! Drawing motivation from inside is vital to self-achievement, but having people you are accountable for adds fuel to the fire and sets the path aflame. This is where masterminding comes into play.
How Masterminding Works.
Choosing a mastermind group which offers support and help from peers and equals will help you achieve your goals through a combination of:-
● Brainstorming
● Education
● Peer accountability
● Support
amongst people with different skill sets combining to motivate and ensure you complete your set tasks. Being part of a well suited group entails a certain level of commitment, but it’s this commitment that embodies your success.
By sharing experiences, giving and receiving of advice and leaning on each other, a good mastermind group can open doors and help you to walk through those doors.
Choosing the Right Mastermind Group
As with most things in life finding the right ‘fit’ is essential for success and this is by no means lessened when searching for a mastermind group. Look for a group that has people above and equal to yourself, people who you admire and respect and who have skills and talents that are out of your personal area. The power of a mastermind group can have a lasting effect on your personal effectiveness and can instil good practices that can last a lifetime.
Look on it as a new community, one that expands your network and helps with your challenges. Establish what you want to achieve from a mastermind and look for like-minded people within the group.
Setting Your Goals Within a Mastermind
On finding the ideal mastermind the first step is acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses within your goal reaching steps. By disclosing any specific problems you may have you are opening yourself up to ideas and solutions offered by thought leaders and champions of their fields. A problem shared is a problem halved has probably never been more apt than in this setting.
Step 1-
The first round of meetings should be sharing your goals and aspirations. This is the time to be honest and open about what you want to achieve. Don’t hesitate, let the group know your massive goal and no holding back.
Step 2-
Detail your plan of how you will commit to achieving that goal. List the steps you need to take and this is the point where you divulge the problems you have, or foresee.
Step 3-
Decide who you are going to be accountable to, what type of support will benefit you and how members can help you to fulfil your goals.
The Mastermind Facilitator
A group facilitator is essential as it’s someone who can push and provoke as well as support. By engaging an external facilitator, someone who isn’t involved in the group and isn’t there to focus on their own business, you can benefit from balanced group dynamics, quick and easy process and protocols as well as set agendas.
What a Mastermind Isn’t.
A mastermind group isn’t:-
● A networking group- the whole idea of masterminding is to give and receive. Although it’s not merely a swap shop of contacts, the inevitable sharing of connections with other members can lead to joint ventures and opportunities you otherwise may not find
● Group coaching- it’s very much about the members helping each other and not the facilitator playing chair to a group session
● A study class- the aim of the game is to share ideas and solutions and benefit from experience and successes.
So whether you work as lone wolf or pack hound, sticking to your plans and ticking off those goal steps is the only way to achieve. Sometimes being in a group of like minded individuals all striving to succeed can be the difference between failure and success.
To find out how to get the support and accountability you need to grow your speaking and coaching business, drop me a message and ask about the benefits of my peer mastermind group.
David Hyner
Professional Speaker | Author | Goal Setting Researcher