1-What is a Mastermind group?

A Mastermind is a small group of peers who share similar interests and goals They meet on a regular basis to discuss issues or problems that members are facing, brainstorm solutions, and support each other. With the right group, you are surrounded with like-minded people who understand your mission and encourage you to pursue your goals.

2-Why is it called a Mastermind?

Napoleon Hill, in his classic book, Think and Grow Rich, introduced the term “mastermind”. Mastermind groups have been used throughout history, however, he explained it as follows: 

“The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony.”  No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind, (the mastermind).

3-How will I benefit?

As a member of a mastermind, you tap into the wisdom of a group. You’re exposed to different perspectives, and draw on diverse skills and experiences. You get insights, advice, support, shorten your learning curve, set goals, solve problems, and are held accountable. You benefit by gaining clarity of focus, getting inspired, and making better decisions.

4-How is a Mastermind Group Different from Group Coaching?

A mastermind group is about the members supporting and sharing with each other. They share their advice, problem-solving, and feedback. A true mastermind is really about each member addressing their challenges and the rest of the group brainstorming solutions, setting goals and keeping each other accountable. The facilitator is there to keep the meeting on track and the conversation flowing between all members.

Group coaching is centered around a coach. The coach will work with one or two individuals and their issues, while the others listen.  However, the issues raised may not be relevant to others in the group, but they don’t get personal help.

5-What’s the purpose of the group?

The purpose of The SFN Mastermind Group is to bring together a small group of like-minded men, including dads and stepdads who each have a child or children with special needs. The goal is for the members to help each other overcome challenges and obstacles as well as help strengthen their relationships with their children, their spouse and help their child(ren) reach their full potential.

6-Who should join and what are the benefits of being part of a SFN Mastermind Group?

Those looking to make an investment to become the best dad possible and who realize that trying to figure it out on their own is a recipe for disaster. Remember, most men won’t even pull over when they’re lost. They stubbornly want to do it themselves. Being the best dad you can be, is much more consequential than trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B.

Some of the benefits of being part of the SFN Mastermind Group include:

• Accountability
• Exchange of knowledge
• Expand network of like-minded dads
• Discover solutions in a shorter period of time
• Emotional support

As the saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t’ know.” The way to find out is to bring together a small group of people together with a broad range of knowledge to apply to your goals. Why reinvent the wheel when a member of your mastermind group may already know a simple approach?

Who should not join?

• You’re already part of a meaningful and vibrant group of like-minded dads
• You don’t want to commit the time and energy to achieve greater goals
• You can’t give support nor want to receive support from others in the group
• You can’t commit to attending the meetings
• You work better by yourself
• You are not willing to change, grow or explore new situations

7-What happens during meetings?

The meeting starts with everyone in the group sharing a success they had since the last meeting. Then, if the group wants, there may be a short education segment to discuss a topic or a chapter from a book. We then have the “Dad In The Middle” portion of the meeting which takes the bulk of the time. We end with everyone setting a goal to accomplish before the next meeting.

8-What is a “Dad In The Middle”?

Dad In The Middle is where you get the opportunity to address your question or problem to the group. You’re forced to gain clarity about what you are asking, so you can explain it. The rest of the members brainstorm to help provide solutions. You will find that you’ll get more ideas and insights than you can generate on your own. Depending on the number of members and the length of the meeting, a Dad In The Middle can last from 10 to 15 minutes. Dad In The Middle should be part of every meeting, and the goal is for all members to be in the middle once every five weeks.

9-Do I Have to Participate in the “Dad In The Middle”?

The “Dad In The Middle” is the essence of the mastermind group. It’s where you get your challenges addressed and everyone contributes to the discussion to help you. You don’t want to miss out on this important benefit. This is one of the main reasons people come to a mastermind. Some people feel shy or introverted or they worry they may not have an idea to contribute. But the groups are small and the facilitator puts everyone at ease. You’ll be surprised how much everyone can learn from you, too. Everyone gets a chance to speak in turn, this is not a free for all. The facilitator gives equal weight to everyone. Many times you will have an idea to contribute, but if not, you’re not required to.

10-What do we talk about in the meeting?

Every mastermind group has a theme. The SFN Mastermind Group is for men who are committed to being the absolute best dad and husband they can be.  The topics usually deal with accessing resources, improving communication skills, seeking better balance between family and work, as well as strategies for staying physically, emotionally and spiritually fit. We talk about whatever issues members are struggling with and want to discuss. The group works to brainstorm solutions.

11-Where does the SFN Mastermind Group meet?

The SFN Mastermind Group meets weekly online via Zoom and once a year for a weekend retreat. All retreat expenses are covered including meals and hotel accommodations. You are responsible for your transportation to and from the venue.

12-How often and for how long do you meet?

We meet once a week for 75 minutes, with one week off per quarter for a total of 48 meetings a year.

13-What commitment do you expect from me?

Commit to participate in all meetings, show up on time, participate in the “Dad In The Middle”, offer help to others when you have something to give, listen fully, be willing to learn from others, and ask clarifying questions when needed.

14-What if I miss a meeting?

It is important to attend all meetings. However, when vacations and emergencies occur, please notify the facilitator in advance. 

15-How many people are in the group?

The ideal number is between 8 and 12, but we do start with fewer members and grow as we identify dads who fit with the other members.

16-Who is in the group & who is the ideal member?

Until the group is formed, we can’t know for sure. However, the ideal members include dads with at least 3-5 years of experience raising a child with special needs. That said, the dads who benefit most have children who are 0-5 and who are able to tap into the experience and wisdom of the more seasoned dads.

17-Are there rules for the group?

Yes, there are guidelines which we request each member agree to. However, there are some rules which are sacred. Respect all other members, their problems and their point of view. No member is put-down or embarrassed. Controversial topics, such as politics are not discussed.

18-What about confidentiality?

Confidentiality is taken seriously. For a successful mastermind meeting, members have to know that what they say stays within the group. Therefore, every member is asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

19-Are meetings recorded?

No, to ensure confidentiality, meetings are not recorded. This also helps boost
attendance and participation.

20-Who will be facilitating the SFN Mastermind Group?

David Hirsch, founder of the 21st Century Dads Foundation and creator of the Special Fathers Network will facilitate the SFN MasterMind Group pilot program.

21-How will I measure my progress with the group?

In our first meeting, every member sets their long term and 90 day goals. At each meeting, you tell the group what you’ve accomplished since the last meeting, where you’re stuck, and what’s your next action/goal for the next meeting.

22-What does it cost and is there a refund policy or guarantee?

The fee is $200 per month. Initial commitment 6 months. We are so confident you will enjoy and benefit from the SFN Mastermind Group, that we offer a 100% refund to anyone who attends at least 90% of the weekly meetings, no questions asked.

23-Do you have a payment plan?

The fee can be paid in advance for six months or monthly.

24-How do I apply or register for the group?

You can apply to be a member of the SFN Mastermind group by contacting me at david@21stCenturyDads.org. I will be in touch with you to set up a time for where we can talk. I want to know what you hope to get out of the group, where you are in your journey as a dad raising a child with special needs and whether we’ll be a good fit for you.

25-What happens after I join?

When you register for the group, you also become a member of the www.21stCenturyDads.org website. With membership, you have access to The SFN Mastermind group private forum, the SFN Mastermind Group closed Facebook group, and other resources.

You will receive an email with the suggested group guidelines, non-disclosure agreement, proposed agenda for our meetings and a goal-setting worksheet. There will be an introductory meeting. In this Kickstart meeting, we get to know each other, discuss the guidelines, agenda and set goals. Before each meeting, you’ll receive an email reminder with the details for each meeting.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have further questions not
addressed above, please send an email to david@21stCenturyDads.org.