Ever look at a resume and wonder if the person is as good as they look on paper? Maybe you are looking at your resume right now and wondering how you are going to convince the interviewer you are that marvelous. 

Many people have lifetime employment as a result of one hour of convincing some individual, that they are right for the job. In a large corporation, that is par for the course – they can hide in the shadows for thirty years. If you only have five employees, one bad one can bring you down quickly. 

Thankfully, a Mastermind Alliance does not have to be made up of your employees or leadership team. Of course, that would be ideal, but for the time being, you need to surround yourself with like-minded people who can exchange ideas, problem-solve, and provide a sounding board.  A group that meets regularly – all for the purpose of helping each other pursue greatness. 

Who are these people and what qualities (resume) should they possess? Napoleon Hill, in his classic book, “Think and Grow Rich,” outlines the attributes of your Mastermind Alliance. Remember, you must possess these qualities as well:

• Dependability. Can the person be counted on to do their part? Do they make the effort required, or do they make excuses? What do they do when no one is looking? Dependability is a virtue directly connected to integrity. 
• Loyalty. Humans are motive-driven creatures. What’s in it for me? Loyalty transcends this basic drive and says, “I am there for you even when there is nothing in it for me.” Yes, loyalty is rare but necessary for your Mastermind Alliance. 
• Ability. What gifts and skills do they possess? They should be complimentary to the Alliance so that the weaknesses of others are covered by the strengths and abilities of someone else. 
• Positive Mental Attitude. Naysayers beware! When trying to do something great, your Mastermind Alliance will have to have an abundance of optimism. Not of the Pollyanna variety where you bury your head in the sand, but instead, are relentless in your “Can Do” attitude! 
• Going the Extra Mile. Doing more than you are expected or paid to do is the hallmark of great achievers and those that separate themselves from the masses. That is why Zig Ziglar said, “There are no traffic jams on the extra mile”. 
• Applied Faith. This is belief in motion. A proverb says that, “Those that are talking should get out of the way of those that are doing”. Surround yourself with people of action and who hold each other accountable. 

I can hear some of you – Are these people out there? Do they really exist? For your particular mission and vision, there will be a small group of people who are uniquely tied to you by purpose, who will fit all these attributes.   The challenge is not to be tempted to settle for less than full commitment and possession of these characteristics. I admit that I have settled before, and it cost me time, money, and frustration. I am sure you have been there too! 

Dorothy walked down the yellow brick road alone for a while, but it wasn’t long before she assembled her… 

Dream Team!  Pursue Your Greatness.