Are you 'Coaching Mastermind' ready?

Have you heard people talking about 'mastermind' groups and wondered what all the fuss was about?

Business start-ups, entrepreneurs and 'solopreneurs' of all types have started to leverage this type of business collaboration.

The truth is, the concept of mastermind groups has been around for the last 100 years, but you would be right to notice the word being used now more than ever since the personal growth industry is making use of the approach.

Imagine, spending time with other like minded, ambitious, business people who have a range of experience in the elements of business that you are working on! people exchanging information, advice and all focusing on YOU and your specific issues. Its a very empowering environment that drives our business decisions.

The History of the Mastermind

When the author Napoleon Hill interviewed billionaire and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, regarding the secret of his success in the steel industry, Carnegie replied that his own attainment could be traced to the “sum total of the minds” of his business associates–his managers, accountants, chemists and so on. He called this combined brain power a ''mastermind'' and attributed to it, the power of his success. That is some claim!

Hill came to believe that a “mastermind” was not only the key to Carnegie’s success but the secret to the success of all great 'men', the “very foundation stone of all outstanding personal achievements.” ( when I read 'men' I think 'people'- since Hill wrote his book in the 1920's we can go easy on him!)

What Is a Mastermind?

Napoleon Hill’s book 'The Law of Success' defines the 'mastermind' as “a mind that is developed through the harmonious co-operation of two or more people who ally themselves for the purpose of accomplishing any given task.” Hill believed that our minds were made of up fluid or energy (what he called “the electrons of the ether”) and that these energies combined to either unfortunate or happy effect when individuals met together. When two or more minds interacted, it produced a third mind, although not necessarily a 'mastermind'. For a 'mastermind' to be formed, the individuals in a given group had to possess positive energy and a shared definite aim. Most importantly, the individuals had to be in complete harmony with one another. When these requirements were satisfied, a 'mastermind' was created. All the individuals in the group had access to this third mind; tapping into it provided inspiration and recharged the brains of all the individuals in the group.

As a Psychologist I appreciate more and more that what Hill was describing (way before science could confirm it) was the activation of new neural networks within the mastermind members. Neuro-scientists have shown that when we operate in an environment of enhanced trust, our physiology changes, releasing neuro-chemicals and hormones that stimulate the pre-frontal cortex of the brain, among networks of creativity, and allow us to 'tap into' creative thoughts and ideas that were previously inaccessible. This is true, especially in the context of coaching, and we see that every day by creating the opportunity for clients to think creatively about their goals, hopes and desires for their lives, careers and businesses. The coaching process itself is based on objective feedback, challenge and introspection.

Imagine, being in the company of ten other like minded professionals, focusing on your business challenges, your desired outcomes and goals..Imagine the power of ten brains that are figuring out solutions to your issues. It is a very powerful experience. I know that being part of a mastermind group has had a huge impact on my own success and having the insight of a proactive, engaged peer group who can focus on me and what I need on a regular basis, is very powerful and empowering at the same time. Mastermind group facilitators are often experts in their field who start and run groups. They help the group to dive deeply into discussions, and work with members to create success — as each member defines it.

What is a Coaching Mastermind?

Given that coaches are human too, we can benefit greatly from having the same environment where we can grow in ambition for ourselves and our businesses, as well as in expertise to enhance our clients' experience of being coached. Contributing to a mastermind group is also very rewarding because you get to share your own insights and give feedback that others really value. Its a win/win scenario.

Many coaches work alone and miss the opportunity to grow in their practice and scale their business as a result. Becoming stale and relying on old habits and approaches can really hold back a coaching business, especially now there is so much competition in the market.

However, we can really set ourselves apart, get a competitive and professional edge whilst enjoying the camaraderie of being with like-minded peers, when we join the 'mastermind movement'.

I will be talking 'all things' coaching development, including skills development and a mastermind demo, in my upcoming online event for coaches, and I would love for you to join me. My coaching mastermind group is a combination of shared expertise in building a coaching business whilst also making sure you know all of the very latest coaching techniques.

If you are a coach, new or established, and you would like to see a mastermind demo, goal set for your business, have your coaching questions answered or simply reflect on your current practice - the 90 minute live zoom call will take place on 18th November 2019 7pm UK time, 11 PST and 2pm EST.

Either register for the call, for free, via Eventbrite

Or leave a comment on this article 'I'm in' and I will PM you the webinar link!

See you there!