Mastermind Groups

If you've read Napoleon Hill's classic "Think and Grow Rich" or any of the more modern books that refer to it, you've probably heard about Mastermind Groups.

I highly recommend finding a group of like-minded individuals in your area that can meet in person (this is one of those situations where "virtual" just isn't the same.) Each person gets some amount of time to present his objective, and a request for assistance from the group. This might be brainstorming solutions to a problem, resources for a project, or whatever.

The most important thing (and the most difficult thing) is finding people that you can trust and getting together regularly. Members can be from the same industry or different ones, we've found that the more different in background and philosophy the better. If you don't know anyone in your area, you might start by looking at meetup.com. Enter your zip code and the term "Mastermind Group" and you may come up with something.

The interaction gives everyone a good mental workout, and I'm constantly amazed by the synergistic solutions to problems.

Work at home agreements

I was asked by a friend for input on a work at home agreement, and thought it might be helpful to our readers (those who work at home and those who manage people who do.)

A good work at home agreement could be a simple checklist or a more formal document, depending on the needs of your organization, but it should include most of the following, depending on the circumstances:

• What days/hours of the teleworker's regular schedule can be worked at home?
  
• Are they discretionary or mandatory? (If you're sharing office space it would be awkward if both showed up to work in the office at the same time.)
  
• What tasks can be done remotely, and which need to be done in the office?
  
• Under what circumstances should the teleworker be called into the office?
• What hours does the teleworker need to be available by phone and/or email?
• What meetings should the teleworker attend in person?
  
• Will the company supply any equipment (laptop, phone, etc.)
  
• Will the company reimburse for expenses such as phone calls, internet bills, faxes, postage, etc.?
• Are status meetings or check-in points required? (This might be a good idea, especially for new teleworkers or new managers of teleworkers to ensure that objectives are being set and met.)
• Is it okay if the teleworker works irregular hours? (Do you care if he's golfing all day and working all night, for example.)
  

The more of these things are worked out in advance, the less potential for issues later.

Best wishes,

-Paula