The Secret Weapon Most Muslims Don't Know About: Mastermind Groups
A mastermind group is a focused group of individuals who share a common goal or theme.
The only way to be effective is to work with a group.
Think about it.
Ummah. Jama`ah. Khilafah.
What is common among all of these? They are (supposed to be) organised groups.
Unfortunately, "group" usually means something negative for Muslims:
Disunity.
Isn't that ironic?
Having a group means being part of a sect, an exclusive circle...my sheikh is better than your sheikh...
The reason for this is we associate with groups based on identity.
If instead, we formed groups based on shared GOALS, we would automatically have enough reason to unite... if for nothing else than to be united on a common goal.
And the more valuable and virtuous the goal, the better the group.
Think about other forms of groups that are outside of the usual religious discourse, such as large companies.
They are bound by company values, corporate goals and shared targets.
There is a clear mission and focus for the organisation and everyone involved is HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
On the flip side, we use group identities to fast-track our supremacy over other Muslims... but there is nothing in those identities to hold us accountable to higher goals… even if that goal is to re-establish the Khilafah.
A call to action
Instead of joining groups based on identity...
Join groups based on common goals.
The proven way to organise this is to use mastermind groups.
What is a mastermind group?
A mastermind group is a focused group of individuals who share a common goal or theme.
Mastermind groups should meet regularly to check on each other's progress, ask for help and offer support and advice.
Regular support like this results in more success.
In each meeting, every member should answer the following 4 questions:
What did you work on since the last meeting?
What went well?
What did you struggle with?
What do you need help with?
Mastermind meetings will be much more effective if members have written a personal mission statement and use goal setting.
The first meetings can be dedicated to helping all members reach that point.
How to organise your mastermind group
Step 1
Choose a theme for your mastermind.
There should be a common theme for your mastermind group.
Examples of themes:
Home schoolers
Business owners
Food growers
Only invite people who fit the theme.
If there are other themes or interests, make another mastermind for that.
DO NOT have a group with mixed interests.
Step 2
Fix a schedule for your mastermind.
Choose a regular day for your mastermind.
It could be weekly, monthly, annually, etc.
You will be able to decide how often to meet based on your theme, the more regular the better.
The most effective is to meet frequently for your theme and schedule special meetings to keep things interesting, for example:
Meet weekly for a business-themed mastermind
One meeting a month should be for learning a new business skill
One meeting a year should be for revising zakat requirements
Put this schedule on paper, allow members to suggest special meeting topics and make the schedule available for all members.
Step 3
Host your mastermind meeting.
Meeting times should be agreed upon at least a week before.
Set reminders for the meeting topic or special meeting topic so that members can prepare.
There should never be a meeting without 2 things:
Agenda
End time
Set an agenda for every meeting.
Everyone should know what will happen and when in each meeting.
You should use a consistent agenda template, for example:
Meeting called to order by the host
The host recaps the agenda
The host welcomes attendees/new members are introduced
Everyone takes 5 minutes to present their updates/ receive feedback (the 4 questions)
Any special meeting topics are presented
Host concludes meeting
Set an end time for every meeting.
The problem with meetings is they go on for too long
Set a fixed time for the mastermind agenda
Anyone who wants to discuss other topics can do so only after the agenda is complete
The agenda doesn't have to be fancy, use a shared google doc or simply post on your group chat.
Ideas for your first mastermind group
You can form a mastermind group around any common goal you have. Working together with others who share your goals, even if you never meet in person, will give you plenty of support and encouragement.
Most importantly, you will keep each other accountable... fewer excuses, more progress.
Here are some ideas for starting your first mastermind group:
Everyone is working on their own e-commerce website. Your mastermind group helps you get advice and the latest best practices from others who are working through the same challenges.
Couples who are trying to make hijrah while also having a family. Your mastermind group members would update each other on the progress they've made and how they are overcoming the challenges of making hijrah with children.
Muslims who are homesteading at different levels. You would learn from more experienced homesteaders in the group and go over specific projects, recipes and other skills.
Finding people to start a mastermind group
Are you ready to work on your goals with an effective group?
Try the following:
Leave a comment below and mention your proposed theme.
Find just one other person from your friends and family who shares a common goal with you.
Start a thread in the Substack chat about your goal and invite others to join you so you can support each other.
And if you don't have another person, do it with yourself. Set a schedule and ask yourself the questions. You will be more effective in your own goals and eventually, others will join when they see your progress.
Let's go.
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