Mastermind Alliance
Mastermind Alliance: Making Use of Many Minds
You will have heard the phrase, "Two minds are better than one". It is crucial for us to harness the creative power of our entire team. The most profitable ideas are often the fruits of many minds working in harmony to solve a shared problem. We need to know how to combine our team's ideas so the result is not from any one individual, but is rather the combined efforts of the whole team. Our team's creativity is best achieved when we are working in a cooperative and harmonious way.
The best way to do that is to use the Mastermind Principle.
The Mastermind principle comes from the writings of Napoleon Hill: "The Mastermind principle consists of an alliance of two or more minds working in PERFECT HARMONY, for the attainment of a common, definite purpose".
Tips for Creating a Mastermind Alliance
A Mastermind alliance works best when the members of our team operate in an attitude of mutual respect and friendship. Our Mastermind alliance does not work well when there is:
- Political game playing,
- Point-scoring,
- One-upmanship,
- Egotism,
- Character clashes,
- Or major disagreement about the direction of the team.
The purpose of the Mastermind is to harness our joint creative brainpower. That creative spark is only present when we are working together in a cooperative union.
We find that when two or more of us come together in a spirit of cooperation and harmony, with a shared purpose, then our creative output seems to be the product of our members, not the sum of our members. This means, for instance, three of us are six times more creative than one. (1x2x3=6)
Four of us are not four times as creative as one; four of us, in a proper Mastermind relationship, may be as much as 24 times more creative than one person working alone. (1x2x3x4=24).
We find that Masterminds need to be limited to between 2 and 7 people.
Once groups exceed seven, there is a tendency for the cell to split into two cells, like an amoeba. The more people there are in a group, the harder it is for everyone to gel with everyone else. It seems that people naturally organise themselves into smaller units of about seven or fewer members. For example, the smallest unit in an army is called a squad and usually comprises seven people.
The members of our Mastermind should have a mix of skills.
We don't want seven goalkeepers, or seven strikers in our Mastermind. We need a variety of personalities and skills, along with as much education and knowledge as we can find. Disagreements are okay, as long as they are about the method, not the goal. Our goal must be shared. Our methods to achieve the goal should be variable.
Our Mastermind alliance should meet at regular intervals until the goal is achieved.
Goal Setting Training
In our People Management Skills Training course, delegates learn how to set and communicate clear goals, prioritise and delegate tasks, manage conflict and performance and motivate and inspire the team to give their best performance.
Definition: Mastermind Alliance
In business, a Mastermind Alliance is a principle that brings two to seven people together. The members trust and respect each other, pursue one clear goal and pool different skills. When these points are true, the group thinks as one mind and creates ideas no lone worker could match.
Show CG4D Definition
- Forms a group of two to seven people
- Members act with trust and mutual respect
- Group holds one clear, shared goal
- Members contribute different skills to create ideas beyond single effort
Article Summary
A Mastermind alliance puts two to seven people with different skills round one clear goal; when trust and respect rule, their joined ideas form one stronger mind that solves problems faster and earns gains no lone worker could match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is a mastermind alliance in the workplace?
What group size works best for a mastermind alliance?
Why does team creativity rise in a mastermind alliance?
What mix of skills should a mastermind group include?
Which behaviours can damage a mastermind alliance?
How often should a mastermind alliance meet?
Does the mastermind principle help with goal setting?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
72% of employees in hybrid workplaces say cross-team cooperation has grown in importance since 2020 (Microsoft Work Trend Index 2023). Firms with above-average management diversity earn 19% more income from new ideas than less diverse peers (Boston Consulting Group, 2020).About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Leadership and Management
-
Effective Leadership Management Training
Learn leadership training that fixes four management mistakes: unclear goals, poor teamwork, poor planning and ignored feedback. Gain skills that lift results.
Read Article > -
Where can I find a good team leader training course?
Choose team leader training that builds seven core skills: goal focus, sound planning, clear words, united action, fair feedback, real praise and calm change.
Read Article > -
Short management training course
Boost confidence and output with our short management training. Learn goal setting, communication, planning, conflict and leadership skills in one focusedcourse
Read Article > -
The Language of Leadership
Learn how leadership language sets vision, outlines strategy and sparks motivation. Master clear, confident words that lift engagement, trust and profit.
Read Article > -
Intelligence - From Data to Wisdom
Learn the Data to Wisdom model that lifts data to information, knowledge, understanding and wisdom. Gain clear steps, real examples and ethical tips for sharp leadership.
Read Article >
Looking for Leadership and Management Training?
If you're looking to develop your Leadership and Management Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 11 days, Online - Teams, places available