Top 10 Signs You Are Ready For a Mastermind Group

You may have thought of joining a mastermind group, seen emails or invites to join one of these groups. If your approach is the same and you're getting stuck, a good mastermind group can get you out of your cycle and stop you from being too internally focused.

Know about those goals that you haven’t achieved yet? A good mastermind group can spur you on to higher success and eliminate the habit of procrastination and remove the off-ramp of complacency. They can be a catalyst for change in your growth and results, leverage the ideas of the group to solve everyday challenges and allow you to level up. 

Mastermind groups are groups of people with similar goals and challenges to come together to find solutions, hold each other accountable, and learn from each other. Groups can be based upon brainstorming ideas, coaching, or knowledge sharing. Whatever the process, a mastermind should bring excellent, balanced two-way communication to the members. All mastermind groups should have these three things in common:

1. Stretching goals
2. High level of achievement 
3. High level of accountability

Mastermind groups are typically led by a credible authority or facilitator. The mastermind group is only as effective as the people in the group. The most effective mastermind groups have members that are selected and vetted to ensure that members of the group share common values and goals. These members should be eager to collaborate and get out of their comfort zone. Without these standards, the group will be a waste of your time and money.  

What should you expect from a mastermind group? You should see five critical items in a good mastermind group:

1. The group should have a clearly defined purpose. Members should have common goals and shared outcomes. Every person should be clear about what they bring to the group and would like to receive from the group.
2. A confident, skilled facilitator should lead the group and lead by example. The facilitator should be able to share their experiences with the group, including wins and failures.
3. Balanced discussions between structured and freeflow dialogue. Topics should be communicated ahead of time. The schedule of the meetings should be posted in advance so members can understand the time investment required. Publishing expectations in advance for the time, attendance expectations. 
4. There should be operating principles that set clear expectations. People may be sharing ideas from their businesses. This should be a safe space where transparency is required. Set standards and clear operations for your group ahead of time. 
5. The group should be a catalyst for change and growth. Hold your feet, and others, to the fire, tackle significant issues and make substantial progress on your goals. Share challenges, goals, and get time in the spotlight.

What are the signs or signals that you are ready to join a mastermind group? Generally, you should have a bit of experience under your belt so you can contribute to the group for a productive two-way conversation. Here are ten signs to tell you that you are ready to join a mastermind group:

1. You have stagnated professionally or personally
2. You need a significant action or behavior shift
3. You’re running the same playbook with diminishing returns
4. You’re open to new perspectives and points of view
5. You want exposure to ambitious thought leaders
6. You want the peer-to-peer feedback
7. You’re willing to invest in taking your business to the next level
8. You’re 100% ready to commit to the time investment and be fully engaged