Create A Better Tomorrow, Through The Mastermind Alliance Principle

by Kevin Trosine, ACG, Area 43 Governor

Napoleon Hill

In today’s fast paced, “have it now” world we often get so caught up in our daily lives that we don’t always take the time to map out our intentions. The good news is that there is a proven system that can help us navigate the hurdles of life while establishing the path towards achieving our desires. The system, to which I’m referring, was developed by Napoleon Hill back in the 1930’s and is called “The Mastermind Alliance Principle.” I’m happy to say that it’s as valid today as it was back then and, thankfully, it’s easy to use.
The Mastermind Alliance Principle, according to Hill, is simply this:
The Mastermind principle consists of an alliance of two or more minds working in perfect harmony for the attainment of a common definite objective.

The first step is to define your objective.
Let’s say, for example, you have the desire to be a more effective communicator and at the same time you would like to learn some critical leadership skills. After sharing this desire with a few people you uncover that there is a place where you can go to learn to effectively communicate, by working with others that have a similar desire. It’s called “Toastmasters International” and it’s available around the world to all that inquire. Toastmasters meetings foster a supportive, encouraging environment where you can enhance your existing strengths and learn new skills by simply taking part in the meetings. They’ll teach you everything you need to know to be more effective, as a communicator, whether you will be speaking to friends, addressing the boardroom or simply getting more involved in meetings and conference calls at your job.

How does the Mastermind Alliance help you with this?
Think of the Toastmaster members as your alliance in expanding your speaking and leadership abilities. All of the members have unique insights and experiences that they will share during your interactions at the club meetings.
For example, let’s say you absolutely dread speaking in public. You’re not alone. In fact, every member of the club, without exception, will have a story to share with you about their first speech called the “Ice Breaker”. In my case, from the moment I signed up for that first speech, my anxiety level was off the charts. Then, the day of my speech had come, my hands were sweating, my knees were knocking and I seriously considered postponing the speech. But because I knew the club would offer unconditional support and encouragement, I somehow mustered up the courage to give that 4-6 minute talk. Because of the support shared within this unique alliance, which wants you to succeed as much as you do, you too will overcome your public speaking jitters.

Let’s get back to the Mastermind alliance principle. Although the focus of this article has been on leveraging a Toastmasters alliance to develop communications and leadership skills, this principle can be used for essentially any desire or goal you have. The key is to get engaged with a group of people that have similar desires. When building your alliance, consider the unique talents of friends, family, coworkers or others that have the skills that could benefit everyone in the alliance. Once you’ve shared your desires and goals with your alliance, establish a regular meeting place and time. Commit to meeting regularly and have a clearly defined objective for each meeting. After a short period of regular gatherings you’ll be amazed at how powerful a mastermind alliance is. You will have learned more than you ever envisioned when you set out on this journey. Much like your Toastmasters alliance, where each member will share his or her unique life experiences, forming an insightful alliance puts you on an accelerated path towards achieving your desires.

For most, if not all of us, happiness is the most powerful element we strive to have more of in our lives. By embracing the mastermind alliance concept you will bring more happiness to your “life experience” while simultaneously moving in the direction of your desires. The mastermind alliance is simply a tool enabling a collaborative approach.

I’ll leave you with this insightful quote from Napoleon Hill which I believe sums up the Mastermind principle perfectly:
No man/woman can become a permanent success without taking others along with him/her.

Life is about realizing happiness, and happiness is more easily attained with the help of others. Start your mastermind alliance today, and you’ll be on your way to a better tomorrow.