Know What You Want From Your Mastermind Group

Guest Contributor: Tony D. Clark
Tony's Posts - Tony's Blog


"What's in it for me?"

That's a question we often ask. It's human nature.

If you're a considerate person, you ask it in your head. If you're rude, it's probably out loud.

But it's not necessarily a bad thing.

There's a difference between being selfish and being self-aware. A selfish person only looks out for himself. A self-aware person takes others into consideration, but not at the expense of their own needs.

When you join a mastermind group, it's important to ask, "what's in it for me?" Knowing what you want to get out of the group is as important as knowing what you can contribute.

The Right Fit

Different groups have different dynamics. Often, a mastermind group may evolve into a something other than a textbook group, or may not follow the guidelines established. This is why it's critical to know what you are looking for when you join the group.

Some groups become support groups or bitch sessions. Members may drop out, others stay on but mostly complain. If you don't have a clear goal for your involvement from the beginning, it can be easy to just go with the flow of the group. Rarely is this kind of group helpful to those looking for the true benefits of a mastermind group.

A group may evolve into a jam session or book group. A jam session is where a group folks of a similar craft get together and spends the time working on something - a project, a song, a program. This isn't a bad thing. It's actually very beneficial. I've been involved with groups like this before.

A group that becomes a meeting to discuss personal development books or other resources can be a natural progression of a mastermind group. I've seen it happen. Again, not a bad thing. But if it's not what you had in mind, these types of groups may not provide you with what you're looking for.

The group I belong to currently does a great job of following the core guidelines of a mastermind group. This is what I was looking for in a group. I wrote down goals and had a clear idea of what I wanted to gain from the group - along with what I felt I could contribute. I know at least some of the members did the same. Knowing "what's in it for me" has helped shape the group dynamic. Making it fit the plans we each had in mind.

When you set out to join a mastermind group, have a clear idea of what you're looking for. Ask the other members to do the same, and allow that to be the foundation for the group.

Remember, a mastermind group with a clear vision is formed by individuals with a clear vision. Knowing what's in it for you will help ensure everyone gets what they need from the group.