Some call them ‘Book Clubs’, some ‘Master Mind Groups’ and others ‘Lunch & Learns’. Whatever name you wish to call them, getting a group of likeminded people together to study a book, YouTube video or series of Podcasts can accelerate your learning and your growth.

You are the average of five people you spend the most time with or put it another way, your life is a reflection of the expectations of your peer group. The quickest way to achieve your goals is to surround yourself with likeminded people, a peer group that will care for you, support you and hold you accountable. The Master Mind Group will not let you fail!

Advantages of a Master Mind Group

• Seek advice and lean on the experience of others in the group
• A support network to share challenges
• Give and receive honest feedback
• Set your goals together and hold each other accountable to meet those goals
• You all win together

How do I start? 
Find three or four colleagues who are also committed to personal growth. Ask them if they wish to form a ‘Master Mind Group’ or ‘Book club’. Don’t look for people who are needy, negative and will pull you down, look for people further along the road who can bring the average of the group to a new level. Find a leadership book or personal growth book, read it yourself first and see if it can neatly fit into a 7-10 week group study. Ask each person you approach to make a commitment to buy the book, read the chapters and come prepared to share what they have learned at the next session. You can meet once or twice per month, the frequency is up to you. Start with a small group first and grow the group during the first two to three weeks. After this date then do not add additional people. Your group will gain trust and it is not easy to add others. When you finish the first book and start the next then you can add new members.

Personal Experience
Four years ago I started a group with five very interested and energetic colleagues. We quickly grew to twelve. Each person in the group brought valuable skills and insight. There was no free loaders! One person listened to Podcasts all the time and always had great content and input to the group. One was a professional Project Manager with very high EQ, he taught us how to work better with other people. One was a leadership coach and had coaching business. We all contributed and everyone grew. The growth could be measured too! Of the twelve original members; six were promoted within the company, two were given opportunities to leave their home countries, move abroad and take on expanded roles and four left to pursue promotional opportunities. We had all grown together and have been very successful. I can honestly say that without the support of the group I would not have grown so quickly and be ready to take on bigger challenges.
If you are looking for your first book to study then John Maxwell’s, 21 Laws of Leadership is a great start.

Stuart

Making Steps and Leaving Footprints…
(The thoughts expressed in this blog are my own and do not represent the views of my employer.)