Benefits of the Mastermind Concept

by J.Sewell Perkins, S.C.I.

A True Short Story
Several years ago I signed up over the telephone for something or the other. At that time I used my International Mastermind email address almost exclusively. When the order taker asked for my email address and I gave it to her she repeated the words "International Mastermind" with an unasked question in her voice. Her reaction seemed important enough that I inquired as to whether she had gotten the information as I stated it. Her answer furthered my concern. She replied with a "yeeeeessssss?" Knowing something was wrong I stopped the ordering process and asked if she needed me to repeat anything. Her reply was, "nooooooo? not reeeeeally?" I stopped the conversation and told her that I was aware that she was having a problem with the order and insisted that we stop and get her questions answered. At that point she told me she may have to get her supervisor to approve my order. Long story shortened as much as possible, it turns out that she had decided that I was a member of some group with plans to take over the world, seriously! This woman associated the word mastermind with taking over and taking control.

Masterminding Leads to Stronger Self
Interestingly enough those are the same things with which I associate the word mastermind. The difference between her thinking an mine is that I associate masterminding with taking over responsibility for one's self and learning to control one's mind so our minds serve rather than hold us back from all we've ever wanted to be do and have.

Masterminding Connects You with Other Winners
That true story makes it easier for one who is unfamiliar with the masterminding process to better understand what a mastermind group is all about. It is the bringing together of people who intend to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of the other members of the mastermind group. When this happens the ultimate outcome is greater than individual outcomes in-as-much-as a synergy is created that benefits all members of the group both individually and the group as a whole.

Masterminding Gives You Access to Many Areas of Expertise
How great would it be to have a place to go to get answers and new thoughts regarding anything you're working on? Just think about not having to search out and locate experts in every field of endeavor. Whether you need help, information or input in the areas of Accounting or Zoology or anything in between it is likely to be there for you. It is rather like having a board of directors, focus group and panel of experts all in one.

Masterminding Provides an Environment in Which to Grow
In addition to each individual member of the group being relatively accessible when you need help on one of your projects, you are likely to be called on by others to offer input in the area of your expertise. In this way you will continue to learn, grow and benefit from the experiences of others.

Masterminding Is an Ongoing Learning Process
While no one is obligated to use it, we're making the Six Thinking Hats masterminding process available for anyone to follow if they so choose. Over the years we've found it to be a great tool for masterminding and use it regularly at Success Coaches Institute and other organizations with which we're involved. Just learning the Six Thinking Hats process makes a difference in how participants approach everything. Participants tell us that it keeps them from deceiving themselves into believing that they are making progress when they are definitely not.

Masterminding Tends to Give the Participants a Sense of Confidence
When you have a question and aren't sure where to go to get the answer, much time, effort and energy can be wasted. Sometimes the inability to get the needed information is frustrating and it's easy to loose confidence…especially if you have a client, customer, patient or whatever waiting for answers. Knowing that you have the ability to mastermind any situation tends to build confidence.