Is it still a mastermind group if everyone doesn't show up?

Guest Contributor: Phil Gerbyshak
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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.

Master Minding Team Work

Guest Contributor: Debbie Lousberg
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In one of my Master Mind groups recently, we had to make some decisions about the future of our group because the logistics and format were not working for the majority of us any longer. We were each courageous enough to bring our concerns to the table and at the same time, open to hearing others' ideas for resolution. Rather than feeling as if we were each alone with this problem, we brought it up for group discussion, heard others voice the same concerns, and then found the perfect compromise. In this case, we've gone from meeting bi-weekly and rotating to each others' homes at lunch time to meeting monthly at one person's home for dinner with email contact in between to remind each other we're holding their goals and intentions in mind and supporting them from afar.

It was such a great example of effective team dynamics, it made me think of the conventional work teams and issues that prevent effectiveness and positive outcomes many times. What if all work teams could be this effective? What needs to change?

For one thing, individual agendas. Realize that a group should come together for one purpose, that of accomplishing a goal, or in the case of Master Minds, to share and support each other. Secondly, honesty and the ability to hear other opinions is crucial. There's nothing beneficial about holding back opinions or harboring resentments just because we're afraid to bring something up. That's where trust and openness toward other team members comes in. If we make efforts to know people better, approach our work with an attitude of camaraderie and enthusiasm, team mates pick up on this and join in the fun and we move together as a unit in accomplishing our goal.

So here we were, a small group of people of the same mind, able to work out our issues in a way that was agreeable to everyone. We experienced the importance of being honest with each other while compromising for the betterment of the whole. We trusted each other and found a workable solution and everyone was pleased with the outcome.

Take lessons you experience in your Master Mind groups to work with you. Apply some of the same kindness, compassion, consideration and teamwork there. See how your work life changes for the better!