Mastermind Groups - The Benefits of Masterminding

Mastermind groups have been a popular subject of discussion since Napoleon Hill wrote about them in his famous book, Think and Grow Rich. A mastermind group is a forum in which goals may be made manifest with greater speed and in greater measure than would be possible were its members to conceive and pursue them separately.

Such a group exists for more than the fulfillment of simple goals, however. It's about challenging its members to expand and grow who they are. A successful mastermind group produces a consistent experience whereby its members come to know themselves as better people, capable of more than they ever would have imagined previously.

However, the word "mastermind" has been misused and come to identify with an inaccurate picture. It's not intended to depict the idle discussion of "someday" fantasies, nor are they for simple brainstorming. While the discussion of ideas is one component of a mastermind group, more critical is the framework for bringing them into tangible reality.

Masterminding is also not to be confused with a simple accountability group, such as a group of individuals who hold each other to account to show up at the gym five times per week for their workouts. Mastermind groups also generate by design one other critical element: inspiration. Inspiration and accountability go hand in hand. Without consistent action, no one is likely to remain inspired very long. Without a spark of inspiration, little action is likely to occur.

The structure of a mastermind group is unimportant if these intentions and principles are kept at the forefront. A mastermind group can be virtually any shape or size. A Toastmasters club, a business networking group, a network marketing business, a 12-step addiction recovery group, or any other group of people can all employ the principles of masterminding without changing a thing about their existing structure.

All that's needed is to periodically ask some fundamental questions about the mastermind.


Do I know the personal goals of everyone in this group?
Do I see measurable steps being taken toward the fulfillment of those goals?
Does it appear that this group continues to inspire its members day after day?

If the answer to those questions is "no," look to see what you could bring to the table to change that. Or, consider leaving the group.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Baldwin