# data[].attributes.body
Do you have someone to spearhead/facilitate/keep people on track/note take and share, etc!

MMGs are well-intentioned, but perhaps not self-running groups:)

# data[].attributes.headline
How does MMG differ from learning communities?

# data[].attributes.subject
How does MMG differ from learning communities?

# data[].attributes.body
There are many characteristics of MMG that overlap with a Community of Practice (CoP) and/or a Faculty Learning Community (FLC).

The distinguishing characteristic of a MMG is the spotlight. At each meeting, at least one of the members does a spotlight.

A spotlight is a predetermined amount of time that is dedicated to a particular individual for sharing something they're working on or challenged by or needing input on. After sharing, the MMG group members provide suggestions, explore alternatives, or brainstorm on possible ways forward.

# data[].attributes.headline
Is MMG is a fixed term initiative rather than a learning community (i.e., more long term and fluid)?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is MMG is a fixed term initiative rather than a learning community (i.e., more long term and fluid)?

# data[].attributes.body
MMG is generally a fixed-term initiative.

# data[].attributes.headline
Could a MMG be considered a specific type of Learning Community?

# data[].attributes.subject
Could a MMG be considered a specific type of Learning Community?

# data[].attributes.body
As mentioned above, MMG shares many characteristics with a CoP and a FLC. Depending on the purpose of MMG, it could serve as a Learning Community. The MMG spotlight could be adopted and integrated into existing Learning Community.

# data[].attributes.body
How will your context influence the design and format of a MMG?

For example, we are a large centre and large team and access to colleagues is easy.  If you the lone ED at your institution, then perhaps you’ll think about a MMG with colleagues outside your institution. Instead of F2F, maybe you’ll opt for online.

# data[].attributes.headline
What is the difference between a shared purpose, and a collective purpose? 

# data[].attributes.subject
What is the difference between a shared purpose, and a collective purpose? 

# data[].attributes.body
A shared purpose is the topic of interest that brings the group together. In our example, pedagogical consultation was our shared purpose in learning more about in the context of our team and our ED work. A collective purpose may be an agreement to collaboratively create a tangible deliverable/product. In our example, we developed a consultation guide for our internal use with our fellow team members.

# data[].attributes.body
Early Career Faculty group to meet and think about surviving the first year, or getting tenure

# data[].attributes.body
Course design seminar

# data[].attributes.body
Bringing together folks from different disciplinary backgrounds

# data[].attributes.body
Integrate into faculty development programming

# data[].attributes.body
Exploring indigenizing curriculum

# data[].attributes.body
Academic writing projects

# data[].attributes.body
Discipline-based educational research groups

# data[].attributes.body
Sharing experiences transitioning from physical to virtual classrooms

# data[].attributes.body
Exchange between new and experienced directors/leadership

# data[].attributes.headline
Is it an expectation that each member takes this role in the spotlight? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Is it an expectation that each member takes this role in the spotlight? 

# data[].attributes.body
Yes.

# data[].attributes.headline
What would be the expectations of the person in the spotlight?

# data[].attributes.subject
What would be the expectations of the person in the spotlight?

# data[].attributes.body
The person in the spotlight is invited to discuss a particular challenge they are facing (with considerations to confidentiality) or share an idea they are considering in their work. The group may ask clarifying questions to expand the story during the spotlight.
The person in the spotlight needs to honour the time that has been allocated to the spotlight.

# data[].attributes.body
1 hour and 15 minutes, with expectations that work may be required in between meetings.

# data[].attributes.body
Every 2 weeks, with more time between the last 2 meetings to accommodate our collective purpose of creating a consultation guide for our colleagues.

# data[].attributes.body
1. Review agenda
2. One or two spotlights (20 minutes each)
3. Discussion on our Consultation Guide (e.g., outline, goals, timeline, writing, editing)

Prior to and following each meeting summary notes were sent out outlining key points and action steps (with timelines).

# data[].attributes.headline
Is whatever shared during the spotlight, end up being the 'agenda' for that meeting?

# data[].attributes.subject
Is whatever shared during the spotlight, end up being the 'agenda' for that meeting?

# data[].attributes.body
At each meeting, we asked for 1-2 people to volunteer for the following meeting's spotlights. We left it open for them to decide what they wanted help with. We always dedicated time to further our collective purpose - creating a consultation guide in a tight (4 months) timeline.

Isabeau has heard of spotlights needing to coincide with a particular theme/agenda for the meeting.

# data[].attributes.headline
Being in the spotlight would require a lot of trust. How long do you develop that before launching into such intimate sharing?

# data[].attributes.subject
Being in the spotlight would require a lot of trust. How long do you develop that before launching into such intimate sharing?

# data[].attributes.body
Given that we were all colleagues who enjoy working with one another, we did not devote much time to building trust. The expectations were clearly articulated in the MMG invitation and we reminded ourselves that our conversations were confidential and were in service of our mutual learning.

# data[].attributes.headline
Do you have questions or examples that help guide what people share in the spotlight?

# data[].attributes.subject
Do you have questions or examples that help guide what people share in the spotlight?

# data[].attributes.body
We simply asked people to think of a challenge or issue they are currently grappling with and for which they would (likely) benefit from having input from others. We encouraged people to think of spotlights as a time to be "selfish" , benefit from group wisdom, and have all the attention on them!

# data[].attributes.body
You can find a copy of the Consultation Guide we developed through this MMG process below. You also have a copy located in the NJAW Resource.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
One-on-One Consultations (Mastermind Group 2018)

# data[].attributes.headline
What kind of tools did you use to facilitate the MMG?

# data[].attributes.subject
What kind of tools did you use to facilitate the MMG?

# data[].attributes.body
Meeting Minutes & Logistics: a combination of email and Google Doc
Collaborative Writing: Google Doc

# data[].attributes.body
We did not explicitly evaluate the effectiveness of our MMG, though we did have an end-product to share at the end of this process.

# data[].attributes.body
How do you schedule meeting times with multiple colleagues? Do you have the space available to host your face-to-face meetings? Stable technological platform to host online meetings?

# data[].attributes.body
Why would people want to participate? What will it take for your manager/director to ok (as relevant)?

For example, we agreed to produce a consultation guide for our team.

# data[].attributes.body
Spell it out! How to ensure accountability and commitment?   What happens when MMG members don't do the 'in between' work and come to a meeting unprepared? What are some mutual expectations and accountability mechanisms?

# data[].attributes.body
Spotlights have the potential to trigger anxiety/impostor syndrome. How do we create a safe and trusting environment that allows people to be authentic and vulnerable in sharing their experiences?