Mastermind Groups: Network Support for Achieving Your Dreams
By Jill Adams
The evidence is mounting that, as in the novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, your mental garden buds, blooms and proliferates when cross-pollinated with the many other flowers and fruits crowding the business jungle. People come up with more and better ideas and produce more results from those ideas by engaging in group discussions on issues of common interest. If creativity and innovation are your goals, the advantages of joining in Mastermind groups will empower you. “Don't wait. The time will never be just right.” ~ Napoleon Hill, author Think and Grow Rich The concept of the Mastermind Group was originated in the early 1900's by Napoleon Hill through his now-classic book Think and Grow Rich. He defined the Mastermind principle as: "The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.” He stated, "No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible, intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind." The Mastermind group has been so effective and widely embraced in so many different venues that is has become almost a generic term like “Kleenex.” The Mastermind concept was first introduced to the Network in 2004 by former member Pat Bell. In a Network Mastermind Group, the agenda belongs to the group and each person’s participation is important. Your peers give you feedback, help you think through new possibilities, and set up accountability structures to keep you focused and on track. Network Mastermind adds to your community of supportive colleagues who together move the group to new heights. Participation in the Network’s Mastermind program is free as a part of your membership. It is a growing, evolving program intended to give members an opportunity to connect and support each other even more intimately to achieve their personal and professional objectives. Through Mastermind, Network members can, to a greater degree, access the wealth of personal and professional experience and wisdom found within the greater membership. Currently there are four Mastermind groups, each meeting once a month: one in Stonington, two in Mystic and one in Waterford. Each group chooses a name for itself, its own agenda, and time and place to meet. The group names are Pave (a French term meaning paved with diamonds), Serendipity, Scintillation, and Synergy. Each group chooses a facilitator and each member’s contribution is valued and considered equal. The groups have as few as three members and as many as 15. Additional groups will be formed in different locations as demand and desire indicate. The Group’s power of shared intention and support can be directed toward any objective or goal. Masterminding is how you make more happen in one day than is "realistically possible." The beauty of the Mastermind format is that participants raise the bar by supporting each other to achieve professional objectives, brainstorm ideas, and support each other with total honesty, respect and compassion. Mastermind participants act as catalysts for professional growth.
What Will You Gain? • A sense of shared endeavor. • Tremendous insights improving your business and personal life • Clarity, momentum and confidence. • Real progress in your business and personal life. • Expansion of your Women’s Network experience.
Because of the Mastermind Group’s nature, a commitment is required. If you would like to visit a group, please call the host of the meeting you wish to attend to determine if that group’s meeting is accepting visitors and to confirm place and time. For more information contact Judy Ricketts-White.
