Run a mastermind that stays useful
I joined a mastermind group in 2015, with calls every couple of weeks. The main benefit is accountability: you look lame if you turn up having done nothing. This is the running order, from a shared template.
Before the call
Everyone prepares three sentences, one each:
- Progress on last call's one big thing.
- Your biggest problem right now.
- Your biggest opportunity right now.
Phones off. Add anything you want discussed to the list. If you missed the last one, read the notes.
The call
60 to 90 minutes, never more. Start on time, short hellos, no chit-chat. Camera on if you can. One person takes notes.
- Round table. Starting with the last hot seat, everyone gives their three sentences. If you can help someone, say so and arrange it after the call. Don't solve it now.
- Hot seat. One person per call. They say whether they want the problem or the opportunity first, expand on it, and the others ask clarifying questions and give advice until the person is satisfied and has a clear next step. Note the date, so the seat rotates fairly.
- Improve the group. Ask what friction to remove. Go through the discussion topics.
- One big thing. Everyone says the one thing they'll have done by the next call, starting with the hot seat. Confirm the next time.
The one-sentence limit is the bit that makes it work.
It stops the round table eating the hour.
Mentioned in 2016 in review. Pairs with a solo annual retreat.