I recently spoke to a group of about ten dynamic women who were brought together by a colleague, so they could network and support one another. Regardless of what the invite might have called them, this was the beginning of a Mastermind Group. I strongly encouraged them to commit to the process, relating my own positive networking experiences having been a longtime member of a Mastermind Group.
More than a decade ago, a good friend and colleague of mine and I shared with one another how isolating it could be being a solopreneur. This, despite the fact we were quite supportive of each other. Also, we were both rather new to executive coaching and felt there was much we needed to learn from others, particularly the more experienced, as well as expand our networking activities and network. We started a very informal and rather loosely structured Mastermind Group. I took the lead and invited some 10-12 coaches to my home, month after month. It worked for a while but then I became tired and a bit resentful, and the group was not really gelling. With hindsight, I realize I did everything wrong.
Fast forward a year. Four coaches, of whom I was one, working in three different areas of coaching — executive, life, and ADD, decided to meet. We scheduled our get-togethers a month or two in advance, always choosing the same day of the week and time. People knew they were making a commitment. No one person in the group was responsible for leading or planning an agenda. We were a quartet of equals with various expertises. We decided on a convenient outside location and chose a restaurant affordable to all. Initially, we stayed very much on the topic of our businesses, sharing marketing tips, technology assistance and, at times, referrals. Each of us had a specialty we freely offered to the other members. That Mastermind Group met, and continues to meet, every month for at least 12 years.
So why did the first Mastermind Group fail and the second have longevity?
Here is how I see it.
- Each person wanted to be an active member — not an attendee or observer.
- We took on a “Givers Gain” attitude overtly looking to help one another.
- Logistics were simplified. We meet every fourth Monday in the same, convenient, restaurant from 1:30-3:30. No, “where do you want to eat” or moving of times. We chose an hour that was generally quiet in the coaching world, so we were not losing coaching time.
- Everyone was committed to showing up to every meeting. Only sickness or vacation was an acceptable excuse. Rarely does someone not attend.
- Unspoken confidentiality. We knew what happened at the table stayed at the table.
- Outside the meeting, conversations in the form of emails and phone calls was encouraged and occurred on a regular basis.
- We celebrated successes and commiserated, and were non-judgmental, with failures.
- Personal issues were allowed to seep in, sometimes dominate the conversation. Everyone understood the impact personal challenges have on work life.
- No one dominates or controls the conversation. This is not to say sometimes one of us requires more than others but it never feels like one person’s needs are greater than anyone else’s.
- We have fun. Each Christmas we break the routine and have a formal tea at a fabulous hotel. Not that we don’t laugh and joke throughout the year but our December meeting lets us treat ourselves.
The Mastermind Group I belong to is specific in that we all work in the same field — coaching. However, this is not a requirement; in fact, most Mastermind Groups intentionally look for a mix of genders, ages, professions, and skill sets. The essentials remain the same — commitment, respect, and continuity.
The payoff can be greater exposure for you to new ways of thinking or skills. It can get you out and about, which is a great antidote to the isolation many of us experience at work, and offers the sense of community most of us long for. It provides an easily available sounding board or a shoulder to lean on away from the workplace. Then there is the intangible and unknown, the surprises and gratification.
If you are not a member of a Mastermind Group, consider joining or forming one. I think you will be surprised and pleased with the results.
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