Professional Development
What is a mastermind group exactly?
Mastermind groups offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability and support in a group setting to sharpen your business and personal skills. A mastermind group helps you the members achieve success. Members challenge each other to set strong goals, and more importantly, to accomplish them.
Mastermind group facilitators start and run groups. They help the group to dive deeply into discussions, and work with members to create success — as each member defines it. Facilitators are the secret to thriving mastermind groups.
Through a mastermind group process, first you create a goal, then design a plan to achieve it. The group helps you with creative ideas and wise decisions-making. Then, as you begin to implement your plan, you bring both success stories and problems to the group. Success stories are applauded (loudly!), and problem are solved through peer brainstorming and collective, creative thinking.
The group requires commitment, confidentiality, willingness to both give and receive advice and ideas, and support each other with total honesty, respect, and compassion. Mastermind group members act as catalysts for growth, devil’s advocates, and supportive colleagues. This is the essence and value of mastermind groups.
Each meeting has a mastermind group agenda so that conversations stay on course. The Facilitator is tasked with making sure that conversations are deep and balanced, and that all mastermind group meeting agenda items are covered in the time allotted.
What a mastermind group is NOT.
It’s not a class. While your group can vote to bring in guest speakers and teachers occasionally, the focus of a mastermind group is the brainstorming and accountability support among the group members.
It’s not group coaching. Mastermind groups are about the MEMBERS sharing with each other, not about the Facilitator coaching individuals in a group setting. You get everyone’s feedback, advice, and support. Yes, if the Facilitator is an expert on the topic chime in. But keep the conversation balanced between all members.
It’s not a networking group. While you may share leads and resources with each other, it is not the focus of the meetings. However, through your connections with other members, you will find plenty of joint venture opportunities, lead sharing, and professional networking.
Nonprofit Mastermind
Contact Shane Senior of Cornerstone Montgomery
Women’s Business Mastermind
Contact Anita Segreti of Federal Insurance
Business Owner’s Mastermind
Contact Tim Fahey of Dirigo Agency