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!
What sets your mastermind apart from every other friend, advisor and support system? The fact that it is a group of individuals who come together to create a special bond that challenges each person to play their biggest game ever. I just got back from facilitating a mastermind retreat for my platinum level members (all of who are over six figures) and realized that one of the greatest a-ha's each member walked away with was where they were playing small. We get used to seeing our world through our own filters. But in a safe spaced designed to encourage breakthroughs and new possibilities, you can tap into a whole new world by seeing who you are through other people's possibilities for you.
For example, one member had become quite focused on a business offering they just knew was perfect. As the mastermind held this person to their goals, values and priorities, the member found that they were giving away a lot of value without being compensated for it. Taking that program to the marketplace the way it was would have spelled burn out and overwhelm. The mastermind was able to brainstorm a powerful program that aligned with the member's value, priorities and goals.
So how does a mastermind help you play bigger?
Here are four of the ways that a mastermind can help.
1. Spotting being busy versus being productive. It's an insidious habit to just be busy. It's hard to recognize when you have fallen into the habit. Your mastermind can help you identify if you've fallen back into the busy trap and get you back on track.
2. Recognizing if you are playing small or getting in your own way. After a while, the group gets to know you and your patterns. They can quickly and easily spot an attempt to play it safe.
3. Role modeling what's possible. Inevitably, some of the members will be focusing on different or more advanced opportunities. By doing so, they are providing a bigger game to shoot for. For instance, two of the members of my Platinum group are now focused on working less and building more "lifestyle" into their life. The rest of the group lit up and became so energized that they began to reorient their own game so that lifestyle was a part of the vision.
4. Holding you accountable. You really want to have a group who does more than just show up and brainstorm with you. You want them to want your success for you just as much as you do. Having a group buddy or a way to track accountability helps.
Tapping into the power of a mastermind is life-changing. I personally have benefited for over 15 years and see how others lives are changed through the mastermind process. Most importantly, if a mastermind is leveraged properly, you can find yourself light years ahead by simply showing up with other's who are committed to playing a big game.
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
