If you’re looking to join a healthy group, whether it’s a church, a mastermind, an association, or a support group, here are 7 traits to look for.

1) Givers

They are givers, giving to others more than they take. And no one is keeping score. There’s no “you owe me because I helped you.” Their help, acceptance, and love does not have strings attached.

2) Abundance Mindset

They have an abundance mindset, not a scarcity mindset. No one is afraid of your success because it means less success for them. There’s no competition.

Instead, they celebrate your success. They believe a rising tide raises all boats.

3) Diverse Interests

They have diverse interests. They are not cookie-cutter people. They don’t try to force you to be like them.

4) Diverse Skills

They have diverse skills. Everyone being good at something makes all of us good at everything.

5) Diverse Levels

They are at diverse levels. People are allowed to be in process. Everyone’s contribution is valued. The rookies benefit from the veteran’s experience, and the veterans benefit from the rookies’ energy and fresh eyes.

6) Support, Not accountability

Accountability groups try to force you to do something you don’t want to do (or stop doing something you do want to do). The only tools they have for doing that are guilt and shame. Responsibility for your results are transferred from you (where it belongs) to the group.

Instead, in a healthy group, you bring the motivation. The group brings the how-to. That’s why diverse skills (above) are so important. Somebody in the group probably knows how to do what you’re stuck on. Or the group together can help you figure it out.

I wrote more about this particular point here, Why You Need Support, Not Accountability.

7) People Are Blessed When They Exit the Group

Watch how the group treats members who leave. That’s how they will treat you. Are people guilted into staying? Are former members viewed as outsiders, traitors, or lepers? Are people openly blessed out the front door, or quietly shoved out the back door? Are they honored or shamed?

A healthy group has a good attitude when you leave. They understand all things are for a season. They send you, with blessing, out the front door.

Your Turn

What do you think? Did this resonate? What healthy, or unhealthy, traits have you experienced in groups? Would you add any traits to this list? Tell us your story in the comments. And please share this post if it would bless others.