When It's Time To Leave - What Worked? What Didn't?

Guest Contributor: Lorraine Cohen
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Last month I wrote about deciding to leave my mastermind group after 5 years. You might be wondering why. After all, 5 years with the same group suggests it must have been working well for me to stay so long, right?

Yes, and no.

What worked well?

- Trust was established early on so that we felt safe to be vulnerable with each other. That helped us to confront our self-sabotage and resistance.

- Diversity of our businesses and life experiences brought a wealth of insights, resources, expertise and potential leads.

- Many of the meetings were highly productive and motivating. Each time I left I was inspired and eager to take the next steps. In this group, I turned many pivotal corners to take my business out in a bigger way.

What didn't?

- Group size was too small at three. While adding new people was discussed, no move to invite others to join occurred. We missed out on having fresh perspectives and resources that would re-energize the group.

- Scheduling problems. Because we were so small, if one or two had unexpected conflicts, we scrambled to reschedule which sometimes made the times in between meetings too long.

- Certain basics of the group began to slide; having agreements written by the first day of each month, actual business check-ins started late and meeting times lengthened. There were times when we just wanted to socialize rather than to maximize the intent of the group. We got lazy too often.

- Accountability was inconsistent. Breaking of monthly promises and agreements occurred. I suggested weekly calls or emails to stay on track. The other members declined to add additional accountability.

As I read over this article, I realize that there were more things about the group that wasn't working for too long. Staying together had become too comfortable. We allowed our progress to be acceptable rather than challenging us to be our best.

I'm in the process of organizing a new group of six to begin in the New Year. I'm so excited!

New Mastermind Group Excitement!

Kerry-Ann writes the A Happy Inspired Life blog and recently posted about a new Mastermind Group she was setting up.

There is always a lot of excitement that goes with creating a new Mastermind group - it is the opportunity to find a group of peers that can contribute to your success and hold you accountable to actually following through on what you say you are going to do.

In Kerry-Ann's words:

I was very excited about the thought of being in a mastermind group because I feel the accountability will be in valuable. When it is just me it is so easy to have good intentions but also to let them be swept under the carpet and promise myself tomorrow.

But with a mastermind group I have to state what it is I want to do this week, knowing that next week I am going to have to report on what I have and have not done. This is a huge incentive to get off my butt and do what I say I'm going to.

Your mastermind group will also support you when things are tough and can be a great place for resources when you're not sure where to turn.

It is so nice to know that some one out there cares and has your back but does not have emotional attachment to you achieving your dreams. They can also help you to see a different point of view and hopefully help you stay light and happy even in the face of difficulties.

What have you found to be the greatest benefits of your Mastermind Groups?