The Leading Edge: Mastermind Groups Are Like a Fitness Class for Personal Development

By Michael Gueltig Jr., certified John Maxwell Team coach, speaker & trainer

Having been an educator for nearly ten years, I know what power there is in reading a book with colleagues. It provides a common focus for discussion, a place to learn new ideas, and a group on which to lean and share ideas with. I love book clubs and so do my 6th grade students! Great results are achieved when guided questions help members to identify themes, describe characters struggling to overcome obstacles, and to use that knowledge to identify how these lessons can be applied to our lives. This was a system that worked for my students, but it was still somewhat abstract to me.

One type of Mastermind group is built on similar ground: a group of people read the same book, meet weekly to discuss assigned parts of the book, and work toward a common goal, becoming better individuals because of the book and because of the group discussions. There are no tests, no “gotcha questions” to see if you remember who said what on a certain page, no formal system to hold you accountable for doing the work (Other Mastermind groups are formed around topics or interests, so a book isn’t a requirement).

How does growth happen in the Mastermind process?

First, people come together under a united theme which is often determined by the book being read together. If the book is John Maxwell’s Everyone Communicates, Few Connect, then the theme is moving from merely communicating to thoughtfully and purposefully connecting with those around you. If the book is Intentional Living by John Maxwell, then the theme is finding a focus for your life and creating a plan to get you closer to that focus. If the book is Maxwell’s The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth, then the theme is developing a personal growth plan so that your entire life is impacted and up-leveled to draw you nearer to the results you seek.

Second, once the group of 6-10 folks comes together under a theme/book, then the magic begins to happen. The discussions that happen during the weekly meetings start with the reading as a base—a level beginning for all participants. But because not everyone is at the same position within a company or even employed in the same field, the Mastermind is created throughout the rich discussions that flow as one person shares, another adds to and builds onto that, and yet another person offers a new perspective. When participants arrive with an open mind and thoughtful questions crafted around that week’s concept (as prescribed by the reading), and the courage to speak, everyone wins. The person who asks the question gets guidance, the people who contribute reinforce their learning, and those listening are inspired to dive deeper.

Third, the trained facilitator is present and listening at all times, guiding through questions designed to take that week’s content and this unique group of participants to the next level week after week until the growth is recognized by all. There are many things inspiring thought: the content straight from the book, content from a workbook, the knowledge of the facilitator, and the increased thinking provided by the group itself.

Who can grow in a Mastermind?

Everyone! I have led Mastermind groups with participants ranging from the unemployed to urban school principals and everyone has had great feedback and noticeable results. There have been promotions and even career changes as a result of having been through this process, but I would say the change that is most incredible are these shifts in thinking:

• From thinking that this is the hand they were dealt to knowing that they can ask for a new hand—or just become the dealer themselves!
• From thinking that no one will ever believe in their ability to do more than they’ve done to stepping up and finding a new inner circle that raises their thinking.
• From feeling like life is something that happens to you, to knowing that life is what you design it to be.

Does everyone experience massive levels of success and transformation? I would be lying if I said yes. Those who show up, read up, think ahead, write their questions down, and have an open mind about what’s possible, well, they’re on a new path in life, a path they didn’t dream was possible.

Is a Mastermind group for me?

Are you satisfied where you are or are you seeking something more? Are you ready to experience your life on a whole new level? Like everything in life, you get out what you put in. Find a facilitator, find an area you want to grow in, get a notebook, put yourself to work studying and applying and report back on your results. You can’t not grow. If you’ve never joined in a mastermind group, check out when there is one you can join, as many are done virtually to allow for flexibility. You’ll never be the same.

About Michael:
Michael Gueltig, Jr., is a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. He is a father of two, husband of one, and lover of many things (like reading, writing, teaching, and chocolate, to name a few). He leads virtual mastermind groups and facilitates leadership development programs for schools and businesses. He currently lives in Alexandria, VA and works as an instructional coach for D.C. Public Schools.