Wise Wednesdays - Starting A Mastermind Group - Part II

At the end of the mastermind meeting a new Chair is selected who is responsible for hosting the next meeting.

The new Chair decides where and when the meeting will take place and is responsible for following up with members. It’s usually a good idea to have a set time (i.e. the last Thursday of the Month so everyone can plan).

Have a quorum: A minimum of people who must be at the meeting. In our group we needed at least four people. This allows the meetings to continue without being held hostage to any individual member who can’t attend.

Each member needs to be committed to the process and the meetings. People can miss a meeting but if they miss two meetings a red flag is raised. If they miss three meetings they must let the group know why they should be allowed to stay. If they miss four meetings they are asked to leave. This ensures that people keep their commitments – this allows you to have dedicated people in the group.

Remind everyone that no one is obligated to give referrals nor is anyone obligated to meet outside the meetings. It is best if you do not have close friends or family in the group. Group members are less judgmental (because unlike your friends or family they won’t have a set opinion of you). The best groups are ones where members respect each other, are open but maintain some distance outside the group. Of course members can see each other outside the meeting.

It should be stressed that all meetings be kept confidential. Trust and respect are the cornerstones to any mastermind group.

Be diligent about setting the ground rules upfront. This will save you a lot of grief later on. These rules are guide posts to ensure things run smoothly. However, don’t be so rigid that all the fun is gone.

In fact, make sure you enjoy yourself.

The ideas you generate, the sorrow and laughter you share and the bonds you create can be immeasurable.

Cheers,

Dominik