Mastermind Groups

It’s an old adage –

“Two Heads Are Better than One.”

From group therapy – to brainstorming on that time critical proposal, the benefits of collective thinking have been well established. In any endeavor or field, one of the surest ways to achieve success is the creation or utilization of a Mastermind group.

The concept of the Mastermind Group was introduced by Napoleon Hill, known for his  best selling book Think and Grow Rich.  In the now classic motivational tome, Hill said,

“No two minds ever come together without it thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force.”

While written over 70 years ago, those words ring just as true today, and Hill like his inspiration Andrew Carnegie is generally recognized as one of the originators of what we now call personal success or motivational literature.

Today, Mastermind groups are created to achieve a specific task, or agenda, or exist as a kind of  “think tank” organization put together to serve the benefit of everyone who participates in the group. At its most basic level – the advantage of the Mastermind group is that of any kind of group interaction – perspective. We all know the advantage of sounding an idea off of another person. But beyond that, there are many more advantages to joining or forming a Mastermind Group.

Once you join up with a Mastermind group you:

• Become engaged with a group of people dedicated to your personal growth and success.
• Gain access to a network of resources that you could not leverage on your own.
• Receive feedback and accountability from the group that helps you remain focused on the task at hand, or your personal goals
• Make up for your weaknesses. When forming or joining a group, look for one that has the skills that you lack.

What really makes Mastermind groups different than other kinds of trade or networking groups is the idea of accountability. Accountability was the cornerstone of Hill’s original concept of the Mastermind group. Most groups set up what are called accountability partners – a person to whom you have to answer to – if you set a goal, and do not follow through.

Today, with social networking, it is easier than ever to form or find Mastermind groups or like-minded professionals to add to your success and personal growth. However, keep in mind, as with any kind of success driven activity, you

“reap what you sow”

– and will only get out of a Mastermind group what you put into it. Be prepared to participate, give you own thoughts; let the others in the group benefit from your strengths and experiences, and you’ll all be on a collective road to success.