Allow Off-Topic Conversations in Your Mastermind Group?
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Allow Off-Topic Conversations in Your Mastermind Group?

Let’s pretend that you have a mastermind group focused on real estate investment. John, a member of the group, wants to mastermind about his divorce. Should that topic be allowed?

It doesn’t matter what the primary topic or focus of your mastermind group is, the purpose of most mastermind groups is to create success in your personal and professional life, as EACH PERSON defines “success.”

Ah…but what do you do when a member want to talk about something off-topic that is affecting his success? What are the rules and guidelines you use to figure out whether to allow that conversation to blossom or to nip it in the bud?

Here’s my take on off-topic conversation in a mastermind group

If the topic of conversation affects the member’s performance in the MAIN focus area of the group, it should be allowed.

So let’s go back to John’s story. The emotional, financial and physical aspects of his pending divorce ARE affecting his ability to be a good real estate investor. His judgment is clouded. His financial resources are low. He’s overwhelmed and preoccupied.

Allowing him to talk about his divorce — and how it’s affecting his success as a real estate investor — will give him new insights and creative options, as well as support and encouragement. Refusing to talk about his divorce hog-ties his success.

Define your group’s intention and boundaries

For both the Facilitator and the group members, the trick is to not turn your mastermind group into a psychotherapy support group. You’ll all need to work together to focus John’s conversation on how he can find creative solutions and get the support he needs. If all John can talk about is his divorce then he probably needs to find a different kind of group to help support him during his divorce. (Then you can invite him back to the mastermind group when he’s ready to begin moving forward again with his real estate investing.)

It’s a fine line to walk: should we allow off-topic discussions or not? I think as a mastermind group facilitator, you can tell whether the discussion has gotten off track or has turned too negative. Trust your own judgment. If you’re not sure, poll the group and ask for feedback.

As the Facilitator it’s your job to pay attention to repeated behavior, repeated topics and repeated performance. If John wants to mastermind about his divorce once or twice, I wouldn’t worry about it. But if it becomes a repeated topic and outside the scope and purpose of your group, then you’ll need to speak with John about his situation.


Want to learn how to start a mastermind group? Click here to get my free video tutorial on how to create a mastermind group of your own.


2 thoughts on “Allow Off-Topic Conversations in Your Mastermind Group?”

  1. Jef Menguin says:

    This surely is a great help. I realized that when I am through of your one entry, I look for some more.

    I will subscribe to get updates.

    I am an inspirational speaker from the Philippines. I hope you can help me when I organize a mastermind group for professional speakers.

    1. Hi, Jef,

      I think a mastermind group for professional speakers would be a great idea! Many professional speakers could use the support, encouragement, problem solving and idea generation that a mastermind group provides.

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