Create a mastermind group

A mastermind group is a set of people who come together regularly to offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability and support to sharpen members’ skills for success. If you’d like to establish one, here are some tips.

First things first: Be clear about what you want to achieve, how many people you want in the group and what issues to focus on. Decide how to recruit the membership and vet those who express interest so you are sure of getting those who fit the bill.

Seek people who are willing to give and take: First make sure you yourself have something to offer others; then bring to your group people who each also have something to offer. No member should have to carry another. Have rules that’ll govern the group.

Seek people with drive and commitment: Without the right level of commitment, the group will fail. Make sure the goals of the people you bring into the group are in a ‘similar league’ otherwise members will pull in different directions. For example, if one person’s goal is to make it to management and another’s is to start their own business, this requires serious commitment from both people to achieve their goals.

Seek people who are accountable: You need people who are reliable and accountable. Accountable people will attend scheduled meetings as planned, deliver any assignments on time, lead when required, establish positive working relationships with others and be professional in everything they do.

Look for people with diverse skills: Members with a diversity of skills and are exactly the right people to have in your group. The synergy of energy, commitment, enthusiasm and shared endeavour will create a community of people who can learn different approaches and get good advice from each other.

Now take Action: Make a list of who you might invite to your mastermind group. n