Mastermind Group
I just returned last night from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where I met with my Mastermind group for three and a half days. It was one of the most wonderful experiences I have had for a long time, both for my business and for my spirit!
Many people have asked what a Mastermind group is, and although every one is different, they all have certain characteristics. They are usually made up of a diverse group of people who have some COMMON GOAL. In our case, we are all professional speakers although we each have different family situations and different strengths and focuses in our individual businesses. We have come together, however, with an even more important goal – we are all Christians and have a deep sense of servanthood. We are very clear that God is our CEO and that even though we work very hard, our talents are His gifts to us, and we are simply His messengers.
We came from Illinois and Florida to meet in one of our member’s new homes, to share her joy, and to continue a bond that has been an anchor for us all. One of the keys to a Mastermind group is TRUST. We each chose to be open, honest, and vulnerable, and the weekend proved to be a deeply significant learning experience for us all as we shared our goals, business plans, and project ideas, as well as our personal and spiritual needs.
For the group to be successful, it is also vital that whatever is discussed and shared is confidential. Never have I felt as comfortable sharing my own shortcomings, doubts, and concerns with other people as I have with this group of people whom I have grown to love as family. One of my most important learnings over the years has been that we do not love people for their strengths. We admire those strengths, yet what makes us truly love someone is when they share their weaknesses. That means that they are human, just like us!
Another thing that is important is ACCCOUNTABILITY, so as we left, we each committed to complete certain tasks before our next conference call in a month, and while we are mostly encouragers of one another, we also hold one another accountable in gentle ways.
And finally, no meeting would be complete without FUN. One of the very best stress relievers is laughter, and we had lots of that – from my encouraging an adventuresome detour on our walk (which took us about two miles out of our way!) to some inside jokes about things like recycling, assistant issues, and different circadian rhythms!
If you do not have a Mastermind group in your life, I would encourage you to start one. Think about people with a similar goal, whether it be parenting, a career focus, a hobby or interest, or a spiritual goal. Start small and set norms for your group. We have decided, for instance, that if we set a meeting time several months in advance, our first priority, even if it means turning down business, is to attend that meeting. Talk about the foundations for your group such as trust, honesty, and accountability. Then as you form deeper and deeper levels of trust and sharing, you will experience incredible learning and growth as well as a deep love for the members of your group. What a precious gift that can be in your life as it has become in mine!
