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!
This afternoon, I sat in a Teleclass where Kim Fulcher interviewed Barbara Sher about this book. Many of the audience members commented that they could totally identify with what she wrote. I bet some of my readers can, too.
According to Barbara Sher, scanners are creative thinkers who have an insatiable desire to learn and explore new things. They are usually multi-talented quick learners who are drawn to many interests all at once and want to do everything they are interested in. They get bored easily by repetitive or routine activities. Many scanners appear unable to make up their minds about what they want in life, cannot get started, or cannot finish what they started. That's because the "rewards" they are after in each activity they pursue might be very different from most people can understand. Once they get the "reward" they want in a particular activity, they would lose interest and move on to the next new thing. Because they are drawn to so many things, and they don't want to just choose one thing, some of them end up not doing anything at all. It's like "I won't do anything, if I can't do everything". It's worth noting that although many scanners have ADD/ADHD (including Ms. Sher), it's not the same.
In the book, Ms. Sher identifies 9 types of scanners: Double Agent, Sybil, Plate Spinner, Serial Specialist, Serial Master, Jack-of-All-Trades, Wanderer, Sampler, and High-Speed Indecisive. Most scanners are a mix of two or more types. For example, I can see myself as a Serial Master in some areas, and a Sybil & a Sampler in other areas.
The exciting thing about this book is, Ms. Sher not only identifies the traits of each type of scanners, shares many stories of people she has worked with, but also offers many tools, strategies, Life Design Models and ideal careers for each type of scanners. Guess what careers she recommends for Serial Masters? Career/life coach, motivational speaker, talent agent, teacher, and athletic coach. Hey, I guess I'm on the right track! Coaching certainly allows me to combine many of my passions and interests, and offers enough challenges, variety, and learning opportunities to keep me interested. If you think you might be a scanner, I highly recommend that you check out this book. It's a fascinating read.
One of the success strategies Ms. Sher offers in the book is what she calls a Support Team, which is essentially a Mastermind Group. In her first workshop years ago, after teaching goal-setting techniques, and asking participants to map out their action steps, she set up Support Teams with groups of 6 people. These teams were supposed to set up nightly phone calls and weekly meetings with each other, so they can cheer each other on, keep each other on track until they reach their goals. She has found such teams extremely effective and successful. As she states, "Support combined with accountability creates a Real Deadline".
Isn't it so true that when we make a commitment to someone else, we are more likely to stick to our commitment? That's the power of accountability (which is a crucial component in the coaching process too). A Support Team (Mastermind Group) provides the structure, support and accountability that are so critical for scanners' success. In the Teleclass today, she mentioned the Support Team too, and said that some of the teams she set up lasted as long as 12 years. That's quite remarkable considering that most scanners can't stick to anything for long, which I think is evidence that mastermind groups obviously work very well for scanners (and anyone else, really).
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy of Refuse to Choose!, hire a life coach (contact me for a complimentary coaching session), and join a mastermind group, if you have not done so. You can also check out BarbaraSher.com and GeniusPress.com for an online forum and more resources for scanners.
Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from fellow scanners!
What can you do when there's only two: Is it still a mastermind group if everyone doesn't show up?
Life gets busy sometimes, and it's no different for folks in a mastermind group. While we promise to hold each other accountable if we don't show up, and ask each other for help to be on task and on time, sometimes the inevitable happens: someone misses a mastermind meeting. Sometimes, only 2 of the group show up to the monthly check-in meeting, and then what can you do?
What can you do when only 2 people show up to a mastermind group?
Well, you could pout, and complain about why the rest of the group isn't as committed as you are. Or you could vote the people that didn't show up off the island, Survivor-style. But what good would that do? Isn't the reason you masterminded with these folks is because you value their insights and opinions into your life?
So what CAN you do when only 2 people show up to a mastermind group?
First, take advantage of the fact that there are only 2 people on the call, and agree to end earlier than usual. Don't feel you need to fill in all the available time "just in case" someone shows up later. Chances are if they're not there at the beginning, they won't make it at all.
Second, spend EXTRA time focusing on the 2 people in the group's unique needs. This is a great time to make a personal connection, and catch up on why some goals may not be met, why some are changing, or what else you might need help with. Maybe it's a new business idea, a new logo, a new website, or just some new people. Instead of the usual 10 or 15 minutes a person, take 20-30 minutes per person, and really listen intently to what the other person needs. Take out your contacts, and see who you know who can help the other person achieve their goals.
Last, but certainly not least, agree that you will both follow-up with the members who were unable to attend the mastermind group. Share the meeting minutes, and remind the others that we are in this together, and that we are there to help, to work together. And that we still care about them, as people, as members of our team, and that we're looking forward to their unique viewpoint at the next month's meeting.
One of the greatest things about effective goal setting is that when you commit to someone else you are more likely to follow through. When you get involved in a Mastermind Group, make sure that you use your fellow members to hold you accountable to doing the things you said you were going to do.
A great example of this is Naadi Salaam. Naadi is a startup entrepreneur who always wanted to create a company in the hair industry. With the help of a newly formed Mastermind Group, Naadi was able to get the support and ideas she needed to launch her business.
I decided to embark upon the exploration and creation of a mastermind group in order to pursue my life's passion (natural hair and make-up). i'll have to expound more on the mastermind group, but i HIGHLY recommend the book think and grow rich by napoleon hill. since the creation of the mastermind group, 7 weeks ago, i have finally legitimized my hair business and created promotional materials and an advertising plan for the south asian bridal make-up service! ever since i got the ball rolling, it has grown and taken on a life of its own. i am now considering pursuing a home study course in aromatherapy so that i can better understand essential oils and their healing properties, in an effort to grow and expand my business by offering different services and products. i would have never thought that i would have gotten so much out of a simple networking seminar, but i did.
Have you had any similar experiences where your Mastermind Group really helped you get into gear?
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?
One of the ongoing challenges of any Mastermind Group is keeping everyone engaged and the momentum going between meetings. It's easy to get very excited at the meeting itself and generate a mountain of ideas. The challenge sets in after the meeting to keep that momentum going.
As the founder and facilitator of my groups I'm always looking to make sure we have the right members at the table, that everyone arrives on time, that the momentum carries through between meetings, and that there is group accountability. It is for these reasons that I have never cancelled a Mastermind Group meeting... until last night.
Yesterday afternoon, Toronto got hit with a major winter storm. The city was pummelled yesterday by 10 centimetres of heavy snow - whipped into a horizontal blizzard by gusting winds - along with sheets of freezing rain and thunder and lightning. As if that wasn't enough, winds clocked at more than 50 km/h outside tall buildings created devastating wind tunnels that knocked pedestrians off their feet. Taxi drivers were quoting a $100 flat fee for a ride out to the airport, more than double the normal rate. If you could find a cab in the first place.
With more than half of our members living outside the city, it would have been very challenging for them to safely come to the meeting and make it home without facing dangerous driving conditions.
What we did:
The snow started coming down at around 2:00pm, with a 6:30pm start time, it didn't give much time to act.
Each member was emailed and then called. Messages were left on multiple phone lines for the members I couldn't reach.
Members will stay with their current partners and email me updates on their goals so we can add it to the system.
Members will also get an extra month added to their membership so they are not penalized for the poor weather conditions.
Everyone was understanding and I will be connecting with each member next week to discuss their goals. You never want to cancel a Mastermind Group meeting but sometimes there are circumstances beyond your control that force you to act in the best interest of your members.
I'm looking forward to connecting with the members face to face next month!
I was reading Confessions Of An Entrepreneur this morning and came across a new post on Mastermind Groups. It discusses the importance of brainstorming and accountability as well as lays out a sample agenda for your Mastermind Groups.
On Brainstorming:
Spend a set amount of time brainstorming new ideas. If you meet weekly, have a place to jot down these ideas as they come to you throughout the week and share them with your mastermind group weekly. If you have a phone or pda or mp3 player that has a recorder built in, this may be an excellent tool to use especially if you are in your car a lot. You'll see something or think of something as you drive and won't safely be able to write this down, but if you have a digital recorder of some sort, use it to make yourself a note... or even call your voicemail and leave yourself a message. Not every single idea will be something you act on or will ever come to fruition, but your million dollar idea shouldn't be one you don't remember because you didn't make a note. So, weekly brainstorming, like 15 minutes... whatever, but make this a part of every mastermind.
On Accountability:
I am a starter... not a finisher. I have about 4-5 pretty solid ideas about how I could make a lot of money. However, the ideas alone without the actual "do" part are worth very little. That said, the mastermind is great if you set specific goals of who will do what and set a date for the completion of those goals. As much as I'm a starter, I'm a doer when others are depending on me. With the mastermind, I will have some accountability where as an individual, I'm too lenient on myself and don't demand of myself all that I could and probably should. So, for most entrepreneurs, the mastermind opens up the accountability avenue and also will many times introduce someone into the mastermind who is the finisher and could make up where (in my case) I lack.
Sample Agenda:
- Welcome - Vision (re-affirm the vision / longer-term goals) - Updates / report on previous week's goals / accomplishments - Brainstorming / idea sharing - Application to existing project (new ideas / tweaking) - Determine goals to be achieved during next week / month, etc. - Accountability: who is responsible for what? - Refreshments
Looking through "Think and Grow Rich" last year about this time, I reread the section about Mastermind groups. Like a lot of people, my copy of "Think and Grow Rich" is quite worn and is filled with inked in arrows, circles and notes highlighting the passages of importance.Napoleon Hill's section on mastermind groups always intrigued me when I read it, but Fear had always stopped me from forming my own mastermind group.
I was afraid of my invitation to join being rejected by potential group members; worse yet, a declination to join might also be taken as personal rejection.
I was afraid that some members would not provide the right kind of support and input to the group and the messy process of rejecting them from the group would be controversial and painful.
I was fearful that the project would die a slow death of apathetic neglect as enthusiasm dwindled by group members.
I wish my imagination for success was more powerful than my imagination for disaster all of the time, but at that moment about a year ago, my thoughts for the success of forming a mastermind group overpowered all fears of failure.
With the help of another member, we talked about and invited two others to be members of a mastermind group that met on a conference call weekly.We knew each other; not all of us had known each other for the same amount of time.
One year of masterminding weekly has provided these results:
Accountability to members who understand me and my business objectives.
A forum to whine a little and then be positively directed to move on.
Education about others' business problems which are common to all businesses.
Quick observations and suggestions from members in a spirit of helpfulness and camaraderie with no strings attached.
If you are thinking of joining or starting a mastermind group to help you in your business, the only thing you need to be fearful of is waiting another day.
Doug Emerson writes a blog about making money in the horse business.
EvanCarmichael.com is the world's #1 website for small business motivation and strategies. Evan also runs a series of successful Mastermind Groups in Toronto for entrepreneurs.
Guest Contributor: Lorraine Cohen
. I first heard of this book from another coach I was working with last year. She is a "scanner" and could see the same quality in me. After reading the book, I have to agree with her.
