Definition of a Mastermind

When we look into the definition of a Mastermind, we’re typically looking to define Mastermind the way that Napoleon Hill of Think and Grow Rich fame defined Mastermind.

Napoleon Hill defines a “Master Mind” as follows:

The “Master Mind” may be defined as: “Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.”

– Think and Grow Rich, Chapter 10, Napoleon Hill

Origin of Mastermind

Napoleon Hill first defined Mastermind in his seminal 1938 book “Think and Grow Rich” using the two words Master and Mind with a space between them.

This “Master Mind” is the additional, invisible mind that’s created from the joining of multiple minds together in the same room at the same time.

“No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind.”

– Think and Grow Rich, Chapter 10, Napoleon Hill

Mastermind in American English

As a side note, the term Mastermind has other meanings in English, too, beyond just Napoleon Hill’s definition. A “mastermind” can also refer to a brilliant person or someone who is able to handle a complex undertaking or complex project better than others.

And, yeah, unfortunately, the Mastermind definition can sometimes also refer to a “criminal mastermind” for a criminal with great intelligence but it typically has a more positive connotation.

What does it mean when someone calls you a mastermind?

Masterminds are brilliant thinking individuals who are always looking for new things to learn, or skillfully develop, plan, and oversee, a genius idea. They are unusually gifted with exceptional intellectual ability and have an uncanny ability in planning.

You may be a chess mastermind, for example. Famous geniuses from history are sometimes called Masterminds, for example, Albert Einstein.

So what if someone calls you a Mastermind?

It’s typically a compliment. Thank them.

What is a Mastermind / What is a Business Mastermind?

A business mastermind provides professional peer advisory, support, camaraderie, and  accountability.

The goals of members masterminding together tend to be growth and success-driven – not just in business, but in life.

Mastermind groups are sometimes referred to as personal boards, peer advisory groups, or consultative boards.

Mastermind groups are not networking groups or “leads” groups.

An effective Mastermind group typically has a group facilitator that helps to curate the right members for the group, connect members, plan and direct meetings.

Is it Mastermind or Master Mind?

When Napoleon Hill first introduced the concept of the Master Mind he split it into two words “Master” and “Mind” but nowadays we combine them into one word: Mastermind.

So when you find yourself wondering “What is a Master Mind?” and you’ve come looking for a Master Mind definition, you’re in the right spot. We’re looking at the history of the word Master Mind and how it became Mastermind over time.

Finding a Mastermind

If you’re looking to find a Mastermind near you, you first have to decide which type of Mastermind you’re looking to join. This may merely be an accountability group call, an in person meeting, or a destination multi-day Mastermind.

Learn more about these different types of Mastermind groups.

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