When starting and running your own mastermind group, it’s imperative that you and your mastermind members come up with some rules about the purpose of the group and how members are expected to behave. These rules are often compiled into a document called Group Guidelines and each member signs it to show they agree to follow these rules and principles.

Here’s why rules and guidelines matter: initially, your group is getting a feel for each other, connecting (or not connecting) based on personality, goals and communication style.

Next comes the rocky part of any mastermind group (sort of like the “seven year itch” in marriage) where things can fall apart. Group members don’t honor each other’s boundaries, people don’t show up for meetings, and the energy of the group falls flat.

Group Guidelines help the Group Facilitator to bring the group back into alignment. Breaking the discussion pattern for one session and focusing on the group’s goals and purpose helps to solidify a group that’s faltering. It gets people to re-commit to the group process, and gives people who have been looking for an escape from the group the perfect opportunity to leave in a healthy way.

Facilitators can also use the Group Guidelines when speaking with a difficult member, one that the group hopes to retain, but only if he/she modifies their behavior to conform to the Guidelines.

Harmony and respect are the keywords to any successful mastermind group. Written mastermind group rules and guidelines will help you keep harmony and respect flowing smoothly.

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.