The Power of Shared Thoughts

“Whenever two or more minds are blended in a spirit of perfect harmony, for the pursuit of a definite purpose, there is born of that alliance a power which is greater than that of all the individual minds combined”.  Napoleon Hill – Think and Grow Rich.

Most people have experienced the benefits of sharing thoughts and ideas with a group of people, this is especially important in business when sometimes it is easy to feel quite isolated in your thought processes and decision making. Such gatherings are often referred to as Mastermind Groups. 

Working with a group is equally beneficial at any and every stage of business, whether stage starting a new business, early stage growth or Executive level.  For it to work well members need to have common ground - similar experience and stage of business development or same sector. Greatest benefits come from each person understanding that what you give to the group is as important as what you take from it. When someone dominates the hot seat, and draws from the group without making a positive contribution it causes imbalance and it won’t be long before disharmony sets in.  This is more likely to happen if the meetings are not facilitated.

The job of the facilitator is to ensure that everyone gets equal amounts of time in the hot seat and to help them narrow their frame and focus on the ultimate question that they want to ask the group.  What is the solution they would like to explore, what decision do they need to make and what have they tried already?  It is necessary for some context behind the question but not the full story. Ideally members will think the situation through before coming to the meeting otherwise the limited time they are allocated will be used up with waffle, without moving towards a solution.

One of the great things about the peer support is accountability, if you say you are going to do something, make sure you do it, don’t let yourself and the group down. We are all aware of how quickly the days, weeks and years roll by, by being accountable to the group you are more likely to commit to a course of action and get it done.

Other like-minded entrepreneurs are well placed to give you valuable feedback and insight. They are unbiased and supportive. They are not your customers or your competitors.

Through working with a small select group you will all get to know a considerable amount about the other businesses. Each member will have their own extended networks of contacts that they will be able to share, valuable introductions can be made.

If you think you would find it useful to have:

·         The opportunity to get feedback for your ideas

·         Be accountable

·         Enhance your decision making 

·         The opportunity to tap into the knowledge and experience of others

·         Gain clarity

·         To be challenged

 Contact info@engagewithbusiness.co.uk or telephone 01603 406794 to discuss your business needs.