Stuart’s Philosophies

Masterminding Lessons #1

If you are not familiar with the power of the mastermind group, you really need to grab a copy of Think And Grow Rich.

I just came out from a powerful mastermind session today. A couple of things that I have observed about a strong mastermind session.

Pillar #1 - Purpose

I think you must always have a strong understanding of your purpose. In our personal development mastermind, we focus mainly on improving ourselves in order to generate powerful results in our lives. Having a group that complements each others’ strengths comes from understanding our personal value first - what do you contribute? What can you proactively do in order to generate a bigger impact with the group rather than for yourself? Who are you planning to impact?

In defining purpose, a simple structure of doing this will assist you in building a stronger team with a greater sense of leverage.

Step #1 - Set the stage.

It is important to clear away distractions, and from my experience, a public setting is not necessarily the best place to be. I’d recommend that a dedicated location and time should be established.

Step #2 - Everyone contributes.

No matter how much someone is an introvert, they have something to contribute. In addition, it should be a culture that the mastermind focuses on contribution. Verbal, visual as well as kinesthetic elements make the setting all comfortable and effective. You should contribute to the session with the right process. Each person should take turns and everyone who has something to say should not be afraid to contribute to what is being said at that point of time.

Step #3 - Focus on outcomes, not the problems.

Sure, we all have trouble all the time. But if you focus on ruminating on the problems, you wouldn’t have the time or energy to find the right solutions. Creating the solutions through effective thinking and idea generation can actually help your team develop a far better and positive outlook and maintain the right mindset for growth and success.

Pillar #2 - Leadership

It has been said in the Art of War, that if you want to take out an army, you have to capture the leader. This is when the enemy’s forces go out of control without the presence of a powerful and effective leader. You can draw lessons from this. I’d recommend that you grab a copy of the Art of War by downloading it here. The strategies are just as applicable today. You definitely need to consider this. If you bring someone into the team who is flat out and useless, this person would have negative returns. I’d like to suggest that if you are building a team, find leadership in yourself as well as in other people. Leadership is definitely one of the most important aspects in creating a rock-solid team that does what they are supposed to do.

Leadership also presumes that there is activity and improvisation. Without a flexible leader, you get a dictatorship. I’ve not found people who are able to perform at their best in this kind of an environment. Leaders need to find the time to groom other leaders. This way, there can be continuity, and the propagation of the right kinds of principles and values are now imbued.

Similar to what Stephen Covey says in the Law Of The Farm, you need to plough the soil effectively and plant the right seeds that will suit your environment. After all, remember that oranges don’t grow in certain areas, and on certain kinds of soil. The fruits of your labor are largely reaped from developing team well. Do it right the first time around, and you should be fine for a very, very long time.

Pillar #3 - Commitment

I believe that commitment is an extremely powerful word, and can be scary at times. When you commit to start a new business, it means you have to stick to it through thick and thin. However, ask yourself how many commitments you have said you will stick to but never really accomplished? Small achievements will boost your fire for success. In reality, each time you have to approach someone and chat with them about something, it ought to be in your blood to do this regularly and consistently. The law of consistent action will also reap effective rewards for you.

When you commit, it is not the easiest thing in the world to follow! That’s why it’s known as a commitment! You go out of your way to get things done and it is because of this very reason that makes the reward so much more worthwhile.

Conclusion

If you are ready to establish a mastermind group, don’t just sit there and theorize about it. Go and do it. If you don’t have any idea what a mastermind group session is, I’d invite you to join in for one of mine. The main vision of the group is to empower people toward successful living. That means in all aspects of our life, financial, health, relationship, social, spiritual and so on. These areas are very fundamental pillars of success for all of us, and neglecting them will definitely create misalignments in your life, even if you don’t realize this. Take a moment to explore the power of a all-rounded approach to success, with a team that will commit to getting you results as long as you commit to giving them yours.

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Tags

General, Team Productivity