How to Start a Men’s Team: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction: Why Start a Men's Team?
Do you ever feel like meaningful connections are hard to find these days? You’re not alone. According to a recent Gallup poll, 1 in 4 men under 35 in the U.S. report struggling with loneliness—a reality that hits home for many of us. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go it alone.
Starting a men’s team is about building more than just a social circle—a men’s team is a real, committed brotherhood where guys show up for each other, challenge each other, and grow together. You’re not just investing in your own growth and support, but helping to create a space where every man in your group can thrive.
Wondering how to make it happen? We’ll walk you through the steps, from getting clear on your purpose to rallying the right men and setting your team up for lasting success. Ready to see what a true men’s accountability team could look like? Let’s dive in.
How to Start a Men’s Group: Laying the Foundation
Thriving men’s teams begin with a few simple—but crucial—steps; let’s break them down together:
Define Your Vision and Purpose
First things first: get crystal clear about why you want to start a men’s team. Most men’s accountability teams are built around three main pillars: support, growth, and camaraderie. While every team will have its own flavor, it’s important to align on what matters most to your team.
“Most men’s teams succeed because they’re built on three pillars: support, growth, and camaraderie.”
Ask yourself (and your potential teammates): Are we here for personal growth, real support, or more for friendship and casual connection? If one guy wants deeper accountability and transformation, but the rest mostly want to hang out over beers and watch sports, it can lead to frustration on both sides. Setting priorities early ensures everyone is on the same page—and will help you attract men who are looking for the same kind of brotherhood you are.
Set the Ground Rules
Strong men’s groups are rooted in trust, which means you need clear agreements from day one. Agree - as a team - on big fundamentals like confidentiality, regular attendance, and punctuality. These aren’t suggestions—they’re what create the safe space that makes real conversations possible.
Decide on the Structure
Consistency is a game-changer. Decide together how often your men’s group will meet—weekly or bi-weekly works for most teams. Talk about what meetings will look like, and how you’ll handle leadership. Will you have a dedicated team leader, or will you rotate that role? Rotational leadership is a great way for everyone to share ownership and build skills.
Nail Down the Logistics
Details matter! Pick a specific day of the week, set a clear start time, and agree on how long your meetings will last (most men’s teams find two to three hours works well). And be sure—every gathering starts and ends on time. That’s how you honor each other’s commitment and show respect for everyone’s busy lives.
Choose a Team Name
Don’t skip this step. Giving your men’s team a name helps foster unity and pride. It turns a group of guys into a real brotherhood with shared identity and purpose. Get creative together and have some fun with it!
Find the Right Meeting Space
Whether you’re gathering in person or online, your space matters. Choose somewhere private and free from distractions. For in-person meetings, a living room or private office is perfect. If it’s virtual, make sure everyone has a quiet spot. The right environment helps every man open up, so you can keep building that brotherhood you set out to create.
Recruiting & Onboarding:
How to Bring the Right Men Into Your Team
The men you invite will define the team's culture. Be intentional about who you bring into the circle. Many teams have standards around the attributes needed for a man to be a positive addition to the team who contributes to the quality of the meetings - e.g. if your team is focused on growth and accountability, adding a guy who enjoys a life of shallow pursuits may not work out well.
Identify Your Ideal Members
Look for men who are committed, open, and willing to grow. The best members are not those who have it all figured out, but those who are ready to be honest about their lives and support others in doing the same.
“You don’t need perfect men — you need honest ones.”
Spread the Word
Start with your personal network. Reach out to friends, colleagues, or acquaintances who you believe would benefit from and contribute to the team. You can also use community groups or social media, but always be clear about the team’s purpose and the level of commitment required.
The Onboarding Process
When a potential member shows interest, have a direct conversation with them. Explain the team’s vision, rules, and expectations. This is your chance to screen for a good fit and ensure they understand what they are signing up for. Transparency at this stage prevents future misunderstandings.
Trial Periods
Consider implementing a one- or two-meeting trial period for new members. This gives both the man and the existing team members a chance to see if it’s a good fit. After the trial, the team can decide whether to formally invite him to join.
Setting Team Standards
“Standards aren’t rules — they’re how your team’s values show up week after week.”
Building a powerful men’s team starts with clear, agreed-upon standards. These are what turn a group of guys hanging out into a true brotherhood built on respect, safety, and accountability. The entire team MUST agree upon and be ready and willing to enforce the team’s standards or the integrity of the team will suffer.
Why Standards Matter
Standards aren’t just written rules—they’re how your team’s values show up, week in and week out. With everyone on the same page, trust grows and it’s easier for everyone to be real and vulnerable.
Key Standards to Consider
Use these to spark ideas for your own team. Most successful men’s teams set basic agreements around:
Confidentiality: What’s shared in the group stays in the group.
Presence: Show up for your teammates—physically and mentally.
Communication: Speak openly, honestly, and avoid trying to “fix” others.
Example: Team Standards
Respect and maintain confidentiality
Support each man’s growth
Speak your truth
Be supportable
Honor commitments—keep your word and hold each other accountable
Unanimous agreement needed for new members or changing team structure
Show up to meetings on time
Be physically and mentally present—no mind-altering substances before meetings
Clearly state pre-planned absences at least 72 hours in advance
Feel free to use these as inspiration and adjust them to fit your own team’s needs.
What a Men’s Team Looks Like in Months 1-3
The initial months are critical for setting the trajectory of your team. This is when norms are established and bonds begin to form.
Month 1: Building Trust and Setting the Tone
The first month is all about creating safety and establishing your rhythm. Focus on getting to know one another. Use check-ins for each man to share the important things that are going on in his life. Reinforce the team's standards, especially confidentiality and active listening. The goal is to build a foundation of trust where men feel comfortable sharing their stories.
Month 2: Deepening Connections
By the second month, the team should feel more established. This is a good time to introduce deeper work, where one or two men get extended time to explore a specific challenge. Encourage vulnerability by example. When a man takes a risk and shares openly, it gives other men permission to do the same.
Month 3: Solidifying the Team
After 90 days, your team should have a solid footing. This is a great time to check in as a team. What’s working well? What could be improved? Use this feedback to make adjustments to your meeting format or standards. This is also when the group can begin to set longer-term goals, both for individual members and for the team as a whole.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Even the strongest teams face obstacles. Anticipating them can help you navigate them effectively.
“A men’s team works only when every man shows up — mentally and physically.”
Inconsistent attendance: If a member is frequently absent, address it directly but compassionately. Reiterate the importance of commitment to the group.
Lack of engagement: If meetings feel flat, revisit your purpose. Are members connecting with the format? It may be time to try a new exercise or change the structure.
Conflict within the group: Disagreements are inevitable. When they arise, use them as an opportunity to practice healthy communication. Lean on your team standards to guide the conversation and focus on understanding, not winning.
Conclusion: The Journey Ahead
Starting a men’s team isn’t just about organizing meetings—it’s about finding genuine connection, mutual growth, and real support with other men. It’s a step that requires courage, but you don’t have to make it alone. When you take that first step, you’re opening the door to true friendships, valuable perspectives, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Ready to experience what a men’s team can bring to your life?
Get in touch with Momentum to attend a monthly meeting. See firsthand how a men’s team works, connect with other men on the same journey, and discover how powerful this kind of support can be. There’s a place waiting for you—join us and start building something meaningful.