The mastermind principle teaches how successful people select mentors who have achieved their desired goals — people to emulate, follow, get advice from and learn from. When two or more minds come together, they create a higher mind that’s greater than working alone. This collective mind, when harmonious, can truly be called a mastermind.
In any great endeavor, it’s beneficial to connect with others of like mind and purpose. The pooling of individual resources proves valuable. An effective marriage exemplifies a mastermind partnership. A wife often stimulates and encourages her husband to achievements beyond his normal capabilities, and many women have succeeded through their husbands’ support and understanding. Without such pairing, each would achieve far less.
Many of history’s greatest minds freely admit they didn’t originate the ideas and creations that made them famous. Rather, they describe it as tuning into a cosmic radio station and gaining inspiration directly from God.
Scripture reminds us in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
The mastermind principle functions like an powerful receiving station — a giant radio telescope tuned to the heavens, receiving signals pertinent to the goal. Those who utilize this principle become great beyond their dreams. Those who don’t face a harder path and may never succeed.
Carefully select people likely to harmonize with your purpose. The importance of group harmony cannot be overstated. Regularly review group membership. If someone isn’t in harmony with the common purpose, replace them with someone who is. Meet regularly to discuss and brainstorm ideas. While it’s unwise to discuss aspirations with everyone, group members are confidants who can be trusted. Jesus had his team of 12 disciples who worked together.
Your goal must benefit everyone on your team. No one works for free. Offer money, recognition or enjoyable assignments. Don’t ask someone to do something that conflicts with their spirit — they’ll hate the assignment.
How much will really get done? Make wise selections and don’t patronize anyone — they’ll feel belittled and unhappy.
My three sisters and I formed our mastermind group, which worked well. We ran a business together, lived together as a family, met over coffee, carpooled to our office daily while planning, and worked together for 10 years — a true mastermind group.
It worked as we improved the annual Georgia Avenue Day Festival and Parade each year, becoming known as “the Grant sisters.” What began with 1,000 attendees grew to more than 200,000, spawning the Caribbean Festival.
It can’t be all about you. Each member must matter. Show them love and respect. As my pastor says, “I’m not making this up — it isn’t coming from me. This is a principle researched by Napoleon Hill. If you don’t believe me, read this chapter yourself. You might be surprised and understand the value of partnering with the right people!”
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
