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| The concept of the MasterMind Group was introduced by Napoleon Hill In his timeless classic, "Think And Grow Rich" He described the Mastermind principle: "The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony. No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind [the MasterMind]." |
| How to Start and Run a MasterMind Group Where to Start First, you need to decide the focus and intention for your group. Do you want to have a group of business owners? Or other people who are in your field of business? For example, as a life coach, I have learned a great deal from being in MasterMind groups with other coaches. I have also benefited from being in MasterMind groups with other business owners, where we have all owned very different types of businesses. You could also have a MasterMind group that is not related to business at all, perhaps with other members of your spiritual community. Choosing a Location There are a variety of locations that can be used. Often your local Unity or Science of Mind church will be willing to provide a room at no cost, or on a donation basis. If your group is business-related, perhaps you would be able to use a meeting or conference room in an office belonging to one of the members. It is important that the group have privacy and quiet, so I do not recommend having the group meet in a public location, like a restaurant. However, you should choose the meeting place that will work best for your needs. In order to have consistency and assure regular attendance, it is best to always meet at the same location. Finding Members for Your Group Where you look for potential members for your MasterMind group depends on the focus you have chosen for your group. Here are some ideas of where you can promote your new group: Submit a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to your local newspaper. First you will need to determine which section of the paper to submit your PSA. For business-related groups, often the business section of the paper will have a listing of business meetings where you can have your group listed. For personal/spiritual growth groups, check with the lifestyle section of your paper, where they often list clubs and groups. When you find the appropriate section of the paper, it should give information about how to submit a listing. If not, call the paper and ask them how to submit a meeting notice for the section of the paper you have chosen. Usually newspapers require at least 2 weeks' notice to publish your information. Notify local churches. Both Unity and Science of Mind churches support and encourage Master Mind groups, and will more than likely be glad to let members know about your group. Post flyers. Personally, I have never had much luck with flyers, but it is an option. You can post flyers at places where people you would like to have in your group are likely to frequent. For example, book stores, health food stores, library, etc. Group Size The ideal size of a MasterMind group is 3 to 6 people. However, a MasterMind "group" can also consist of only 2 people, who meet regularly to support and encourage each other. MasterMind groups can also be larger; however, in order for each member to receive enough time at each meeting, 6 is the recommended maximum. Money and MasterMind Groups Traditional MasterMind groups do not charge a fee. The basis of the MasterMind philosophy is in the spirit of equality, with all members availing their resources to the group. For example, sharing of business contacts and offering professional services for little or no charge. A MasterMind group is not the place where members sell or promote their goods and services to the other members. It is vital to the success of the group that all members be committed to helping each other achieve their goals, without financial conflict. If there is a charge for a meeting room, then that cost should be split equally among the members. Welcoming New Members A closed MasterMind group will give everyone in the group an opportunity to build rapport and trust. It also encourage bonding and relationships among the members. A closed group means that once the group is formed, no new members may join the group unless all current members agree upon the new member's joining. Usually the potential new member is invited to come to one meeting, where he/she and the members can meet. After the meeting, the potential member leaves. This gives the current members an opportunity to discuss how they feel about the potential member's joining the group. Alternatively, members may email the group coordinator or the entire group (at your choosing), and give their opinion about the new member's joining. All current members must agree to the new member's joining in order for him/her to be invited to join. If any one member is not comfortable with the potential new member for any reason, then an invitation to join would not be extended. How Often to Meet For the most successful Master Mind group, members should meet weekly, with meetings lasting 1 to 1 1/2 hours. If meetings are less frequent, members tend to lose their focus and momentum between meetings. If the group is kept to 6 people or less, 1 1/2 hours will be adequate and give all members time to share and brainstorm. Choosing a Group Leader A true MasterMind group has no one leader. A MasterMind group is a group of equals meeting to support each other in accomplishing their goals. In order to assure that this energy of equality is maintained, leadership of the group should alternate with each meeting, and each person should have the opportunity to lead the group. In this way, the responsibility of the group does not fall on any one person, and no one is looked up to as the leader. At the conclusion of each meeting, the leader for the following week can be chosen. Coordinating the Group While, there is no group leader, it is helpful to have someone coordinate the group. This is usually the person who is forming the group; however, this responsibility can also shared if you choose. The responsibilities of the group coordinator include:
The Importance of Attendance and Confidentiality It is important to stress at the outset that regular attendance and confidentiality among the MasterMind members be maintained. Members should agree that whatever is discussed within the group is not shared outside of the group. This will help members to feel more comfortable sharing within the group and encourage trust among the members. Members also need to be committed to regular attendance of the meetings. When members do not attend regularly, it disrupts the synergy of the group. Only people who are willing to commit to attending all meetings should be permitted to join. If someone isn't committed enough to their own success, as well as the success of the other group members, then their energy will in all likelihood bring down the energy of the entire group. I have also seen groups disband very quickly when members began skipping meetings. The Group Agenda The group leader opens the group. Each member speaks, sharing about their week... accomplishments, wins, good news, etc. This helps establish a consciousness of excitement, success and expectancy. Each member should be given 3 to 5 minutes to share. Then, you go around the group again, with everyone sharing their intention for the upcoming week. This is an opportunity to ask for help with any challenges, brainstorming, etc. Group members will have the chance to exchange ideas and give each other support. Depending on how long you have allowed for your group, each member should have at least 5 to 10 minutes to share their goals and receive ideas and support. The meeting is closed by the group reading out loud the MasterMind Steps one at a time. At step #5, each person expresses their goal(s) for the week. The entire group responds, one at a time, with: “I know that the Master Mind has heard your request, and it is already yours.” After all members have completed step #5, the group continues to read out loud steps #6 and #7. The leader for the following week's meeting is chosen and the group is then concluded. Copyright 2004 Deena Douglas. All rights reserved. MasterMind Group Guidelines -> |