Think about a few times in the past when you had to do group work, from the project you tackled with colleagues last week to a high school project from ten years ago. Chances are, you’ve experienced some wildly different group dynamics over the course of your life. (Fingers crossed that you’re getting more support today than you did from your peers back in high school!)
When you consider this, it becomes pretty clear that group dynamics change the outcome of anything you work on. A close-knit, helpful group offers more support than one whose members only do the bare minimum.
The same is true of a good mastermind: the right group and support structure can make all the difference, while the wrong one makes it hard to get results. So how do you know what to look for when you’re thinking of joining? A few key factors can change everything.
Clear Goals
Mastermind groups can focus on anything, but it’s important that they have a focus. While each group’s purpose and structure can vary, you’ll want to find one with clear goals that align well with your own. Whether you’re looking for support when it comes to leadership, personal growth, or business development, you’ll want to be among people with a similar mindset.
Manageable Size
It’s possible to find mastermind groups that feature dozens of participants, but that size won’t help you get the most out of the group. Instead, aim for groups that hover between five and fifteen people. This allows you to get to know your tight-knit clan and to spend more time participating.
Rules and Structure
Mastermind groups aren’t simple support groups. While there’s no “right” way to run them, there should be a clear format and a system of meeting rules, allowing you to know what to expect from each gathering. It’s not uncommon—or even necessarily bad—for a group to stray into long-winded discussions or to scrap one meeting segment for another, but a general structure can help everyone stay focused and prepared for each meeting.
Effective Facilitator
Your leader should be effective enough to help each meeting run smoothly, managing any issues that come up inside or outside of the event. They should also be great at communicating announcements, action items, or discussion points to set the overall tone of the group. A great facilitator is worth their weight in gold!
Sharing and Support
By definition, mastermind groups are designed to allow members to share their burdens and get support. However, some groups do this better than others—and the only way to know it’s working is to experience it for yourself. With a great mastermind group, you should feel confident about sharing your struggles, and you should expect to get helpful feedback and guidance from your mastermind connections. If that isn’t happening, it’s time to move on.
The right mastermind group can be a game-changer, which is why it’s so important to consider every nuance of a community before you join. If you’re looking for encouragement, support, and even friendship, do your due diligence to find a group that truly meets your needs.
If you’re looking for the right community, check with us to see if we’re a good fit! Our mastermind groups are filled with focused leaders, freelancers, and entrepreneurs wanting to reach the next level in their business—and we’re here to support you too. Get in touch to learn more!
