We’re the Executives of Our Life
Part 5 – How the People You Do Life With Make Life Better
In our family, we are intentional about adding value to our teams. You’re probably familiar with the term “small groups”. I am sure you have teams or groups in your life as well…a clique of some type. We like using this phrase, “the people you do life with.”
Here are the three “small groups” we set plans for:
- Our literal small group
- My mastermind group
- Unofficial small groups (i.e. our teams in the office)
The Literal Small Group
Let’s begin with the first, our literal small group. The small group is a group of people whom we meet with at scheduled times. You share a common interest and meet about it. You spend time together and over the course of time form bonds.
Our small group is a team of individuals whose goal is to help build our numerous web-based platforms. This small group is comprised of diverse people with a wide array of skills. It’s hard to sit in a room with this group and not become brighter, better and sharper. We call ourselves a team with a specific focus and because of that, we meet a minimum of three times a month; usually on the 2nd-4th Wednesdays.
It will do you well in life to meet regularly with the people you know who also have the same interest as you (at least one important interest).
The Mastermind Group
I learned about a mastermind group from my mentor, Michael Hyatt. You may be thinking, what is a mastermind group? Well, you know I would love to share…it’s a group of individuals who meet somewhat frequently. These meetings are set with intent and it’s our sole purpose to sharpen each other and move the needle ahead. The members challenge each other to go farther, work harder and achieve more.
Having a mastermind group or starting one requires selective participation. This simply means, you choose the people or you are chosen to be in the group. I established my mastermind group by putting together the smartest men I know personally. There are six of us and these are the men who can really challenge me to go higher and harder. The ideas and critiques we share is to make each one in the group better.
If you desire to be better, it starts with who you surround yourself with. Contrary to what you may think, you shouldn’t be the smartest person in your group. If you are, then your group is too small.
The unofficial groups
I like to think of the groups I did very little to form as the unofficial group. My team in the office, while I hired most the team, it wasn’t my choice to have the team; it’s my job. Since we have to spend countless hours together, we might as well make the best of it. I think the teams we work with in the office are the best groups, if you take advantage of it. These people see you often and get to know you pretty well. They also care about you. Why not be intentional with the relationships.
For me, it’s a goal to help each team member improve their skills and talents. I remember one year, I told an employee I failed them because of the evaluation they received. I said that, because I’m in a position to help them improve their performance.
Being intentional
Going back to being intentional, here’s what that looks like. I schedule the meetings and set the locations so that all we need to do is meet. Depending on the small group, an agenda is prepared to foster discussion.
Lastly, remember being around people gives you the best opportunity, not to talk but to absorb. People are the greatest resource for information, teacher for learning and motivation to accomplish your best.
Today is Friday!
If you want to be the best version of you start by being intentional with your small groups. What could being intentional about your small groups make possible for you?
[…] Become a student of your spending. In a recent mastermind group meeting, I asked the guys how often do they look at the reports it takes to manage their jobs and […]