Creating a mastermind group

Imagine having your own pep squad to cheer you on, whether you are doing well or you need support. Or having a group to challenge you when you’re about to make a bad decision. Or confront you and offer a push when you feel like giving up. Imagine for a minute having people who truly believe in you that you can trust.{{more}}

A movement that is spreading across business communities is promoting groups that would help in just those ways. The groups are intended to help business people-and even those not in business-to identify and define goals, and then to focus on achieving them. Although the concept of these “mastermind groups” is not new, the idea has trickled down from senior executives, and is now touching the lives of everyday workers who have goals they would like to achieve.

What is a mastermind group? It’s a group of three to seven people who hold each other accountable for the goals and aspirations of each member and the group as a whole.

Who can join? The group should consists of committed individuals who all have something they would like to accomplish. In reality, the more diverse the group is, in terms of life and professional experience, the better the dynamics will be.

How does it work? The group agrees to meet quarterly, monthly, weekly, or daily. The meetings can be held face to face, in person, or in a virtual setting (over the Internet) or by phone. Some groups initially meet on the phone on a daily basis, as a way to get their days going and focus their activity.

How long are the meetings? Meetings do not need to be long at all. Each person should be allotted the same time frame to discuss their goals and ideas; the group should then take a specified amount of time to offer support and advice when appropriate. Total meeting times can range from fifteen minutes to three hours. Two important notes about time: first, find a schedule that works for the group and stick to it; second, if a schedule does not work, change it quickly.

What kinds of goals should be set? Goals can be short term or long term or both, personal and/or professional. Some groups set a three-goal limit, but that is a choice to be made by the group. Make sure all goals meet the S.M.A.R.T. criteria-goals must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time specific.

What are some of the pitfalls? Mastermind groups sometimes fail miserably because the members are not committed. Though you will likely not have 100 percent attendance or participation all the time, it is imperative to try.

Karen Hinds President/CEO – Workplace Success Group,
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775; Tel: 1-203-757-4103
Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com
www.WorkplaceSuccess.com
Creator of The Workplace Success Program (TM)