5 Things a Mastermind IS NOT Mean to Be

Guest Contributor: Melanie Benson Strick
Melanie's Posts - Melanie's Blog


Have you ever joined a mastermind group and found yourself experiencing lack-luster results? Or maybe you know someone who complains about the group they are in and how it doesn't meet their expectations.

A few years ago I was in a similar situation where I was in a six figure mastermind group. One of the members, who happened to be my buddy, started to drift off and not engage. I could tell he wasn't really too involved with our calls and his energy was totally off. When I would ask him what he wanted that wasn't happening I could never get a straight answer.

What I finally realized is that on some level, he had inappropriate expectations about how the group should support him.

Just in case you find yourself in a similar situation, here is an overview of what a mastermind IS NOT meant to be.

1. A replacement for your own coach or mentor. Expecting your mastermind group to take the place of your own success coach is like asking a sibling to be your parent. They can often give you great input but it's not their job to help you align all your strategies, habits and mindsets with your desired outcome.

2. Your therapist. If you are expecting your mastermind group to dig into all the nooks and crannies of your lack of motivation or help you overcome the demons in your head, then you will quickly burn out your partners.

3. Your best friends. Now friendships may occur naturally over time. A true mastermind group has a purpose to challenge you and inspire you to grow. You may not necessarily "do lunch" or take family vacations together but your mastermind will have a huge impact on your life.

4. A substitute for your spiritual practice. Many masterminds have a spiritual experience around it but it's not meant to take the place of your meditation or prayer (or however you connect spiritually.) Continuing your regular practice will allow you to deepen your results in all areas of your life.

5. A way to make you do things. If you have a need for your mastermind to get you back on track or challenge you to change your bad habits, you may be in for a disappointment. A healthy group wants you to show up as their equal and someone who will play at their level. Expecting the group to transform you puts everyone in a bad "setup".

There is a saying, "How you do anything is how you do everything." If you come to the mastermind with inappropriate expectations it is an opportunity to reflect on how you are showing up. Be willing to look into what you could do differently (or who you need to be) in order to create those results within yourself. The truest form of a mastermind is to co-create a powerful energy of new thinking and higher possibilities. If one member is bringing their "stuff" to the table, the whole group can be affected.