Suggested Participation Tips
In anticipation of our next meeting, we are going to be curious about each other so when it comes time to do introductions (officially) I'd like to request that each person prepare a 2-3 sentence summary or slogan about yourself as your warm-up opening statement beyond hello and stating your name.
We could also post a brief biography and share it with the group members and make it part of a web forum should the group decide to move in that direction.
Instead of just giving our typical history and coaching stories of what you do- it is suggested that what we talk initially about 'being a coach or trainer' and that we also contemplate our getting to know-each-other questions such as:
• What is your area of specialty or expertise?
• What is offered? - Tell us what you bring (gifts or super p) to this peer group.
• What’s your greatest satisfaction or joy in life?
• From where do you draw your inspiration?
• What are you passionate about or expecting?
It's also important to share some of your 2021 goals (year and/or decade)
What should we call ourselves? Are we a Coach Mastermind or a T-group?
The First Meeting
While a typical a face-to-face Mastermind kick-off meeting usually will run for 2-3+ hours, our initial online meeting is set-up for an hour and depending on the enthusiasm level (and everyone's time) we may benefit with an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour as interest piques -- you decide.
Lets see how it goes and we can discuss this possibility. The group can come to a census to add time or schedule a more immediate follow-up in continuation of our inaugural meeting. Researching the process for the first meeting, it seems ideal to invest time discussing the process for setting the core agenda.
Every group is different. Some groups look to the Facilitator to assume full responsibility for a dicto-leadership role; others prefer to share the responsibility (which I'd prefer among us peers). The initial stages of engaging the group may best be served by you (each of us sharing) taking on the Mantle of Yodas who are co-creators of this new group and this can be done in various ways, sharing the role of managing segments or scheduling special presentation dates of interest and the overall planning our processes and inputs into a future agenda.
For example, the agenda for our first meeting tomorrow may look something like this: (Example Only however this might be a good guide structure around):
(Much will depend on how many join the call and how rowdy we get - kidding)
Adjust for your timezone (EST)
1:45pm - 1:59pm Set-up zoom room - open up for early networking
2:00pm - 2:05pm Welcome Banter (group warm-up) Joke offerings?
2:05pm - 2:15pm Review of survey and early feedback (facilitator)
2:15pm - 2:30pm Introductions (All members, 1-2 mins each)
Please come prepared to share a bit about who you are and an overview of your business.
2:30pm - 2:40pm Discuss ideals for gathering. Potential benefits.
2:40pm - 2:45pm The bettering: what's not perfect yet in our coaching practice.
2:45pm - 2:55pm MVP Challenge: sharing ideas for structuring a quality group.
ZOOM access: zoom.coachinvite.com
October 20th (2022)
2pm ET / 1pm CT / 11am PT
During our second go-around it would also be ideal to hear what you would like to get from this peer group experience and what you have to offer the group.
Finally, please share one “quirky” thing about yourself.
I will be amazed if our segment timing is set to total accuracy
Consideration for Designing our Group
After the call we ought to do some feedback (survey2) and have set up a schedule of dates for future meetings (perhaps including adhoc committees or a planning team)
The outcome for a standard format involves keeping formal agreements such as “Group Guidelines” that covers purpose, attendance and response protocols to issues fair to all members - also we would benefit following a process including mutual support measures, success buddy systems and taking minutes & setting next meeting's agenda. Much to consider but I know somebody is going to ask -
In deciding that we want to move forward and form a group that meets regularly the step will be drafting what will be our Mastermind guidelines, while we ought to appropriate this for later discussion we may consider the following issues:
1. Group etiquette a. Start time, ending time b. Criticizing ideas, not individuals c. Professional, not personal sharing as a focus d. How much personal sharing is acceptable (as it affects business)? e. Civilized etiquette – no gruff, arguing, yelling, aggression, etc. f. Stay on topic g. Avoid sensitive topics – religion, politics, etc. h. Participation – ideals and standards (what's purposeful)
2. Themes (could be yearly & monthly) rotating subjects or meeting dates based on an expert (guest) presentation or simply following a formula standardized to our needs; a workshop structure for certain intervals (like quarterly reviews, etc)
3. “Spotlight” Protocol a. If every member will have a turn in the “Spotlight” at every meeting b. The duration of the “Spotlight” sharing c. The duration of the “Spotlight” reflecting
4. "Hotseat" Who wants to be put front and center for cross examination?
5. Adjunct external activities and pair-ups which can entail adhoc committees doing planning or research for the group (report backs) or task organization like researching possible retreats or association events we could all meet at.
As an initial agreement no sales pitching or rambling-on for this first call -- OK?
While this may seem a bit much -- lets keep the focus on tomorrow on how we're being and make it a fun first time call where we easily connect and consider the possibilities of us coming together for connection, support, mirth and continued enrichment. Thanks so much for your interest and looking forward to our time tomorrow (2pm ET) -- Mike
-- zoom.coachinvite.com is the link (test beforehand!)
PS - please be prepared with beverage, notepaper and pen (please mute yourself when there is noise or distraction happening in your space) - headsets?
Michael D. Ratner, PhD