Exploring the Masterminds

Last year, I decided to check out this thing called a mastermind group for the first time. I joined a few sessions, and honestly, it didn’t work. But the idea stuck with me, and I ended up starting my own group.

I approached the group creation process as thoroughly as possible. I invited a mix of people: representatives of large and small businesses, people with logical and creative thinking, men and women. And yet again, it didn’t work. It seemed like we weren’t all seeing the value in what we were trying to do.

But here’s the thing: the idea behind a mastermind group is pretty cool. Five to ten people have regular, must-attend meetings once a month. Each session lasts for three or four hours. Everyone brings up ideas they want to brainstorm. Then, each person asks their question according to a specific structure of a mastermind. Then starts the magic.

The participants reflect on the assigned topic, each from their own perspective. They talk about their experience, ways of handling similar situations, and what has (or hasn’t) worked for them. The conversation flows due to kind and nonviolent communication. Advice is not welcome, but sharing one’s background is vital to looking at the problem differently. The whole process is supervised by a professional facilitator.

At its core, a mastermind session is like one’s own personal board of directors. In fact, we don’t transfer business practices into our own lives very often. But if you ask me, an advisory board integrated into your life is quite awesome. You meet with smart people once a month, share your problems, learn from their experiences, get inspired, and then move on. And, of course, you share your experience as well.

I wish it had worked. Guess I’ll give this format another try in a while.