Lessons Learned

Guest Contributor: Debbie Lousberg
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I belong to a professionally facilitated Master Mind group focused on the success of small businesses. I believe the structure of our meetings is so valuable that you may want to consider some of its components for your own meetings, and especially the last piece.

We start by introducing ourselves and sharing an accomplishment from the previous week. The facilitator then brings up for discussion something that she found pertinent to small businesses. For instance, a recent topic had to do with "disaster planning" in light of the recent wildfires here in the San Diego, California area. After a round table discussion, we break into small groups and ask for assistance on an individual issue and gain insight from each other. Then...we come back together as a large group and end by answering this one simple question asked by the facilitator: "What did you learn today?"

That one question helps sum up what the meeting meant to me and solidifies the one most important thing I personally will take with me and act on. Last week, I thought I had not much to share but found myself talking about a business partnership situation that is feeling a bit muddy and in need of a conversation. One particular member honed right in on what I was saying because of his own experiences and helped me see what needs to happen to let this partnership continue its success. When it came time for me answer that last important question back in the group, I was very clear in my answer and now, several days later, am still planning my next actions to ensure success in this particular area.

"What did you learn today?" End your next Master Mind meeting this way and see how powerful this concluding question and subsequent answers can be for your members. Just one thing gleaned from one meeting can make a huge difference.