Circles, the Powerful Equaliser

Are you looking to implement circles into your pedagogy, want to start workplace huddles or similar, but don’t know how or where to start. My advice to you is just jump in…!!

Circle Format - Geometry matters but we’re not looking for Pi. Some of the best circles I have been part of have been what you would call a little out of shape, but the impact is the same.

What really matters is that you use a circle construct, rather than having a discussion forum or meeting, where tables can still act as barriers or people are looking at other people’s backs. A circle allows everyone to see everyone and be accountable to one another, face to face. If the circle is being held to discuss a community challenge, it also creates a sense of focus on a common concern without creating a sense of ‘sides’.  A circle emphasises fairness, connection and inclusion.

Guidelines – Participants of a circle play a major role in designing their own space by creating the guidelines or “norms “for their discussion. The first circle you hold in your community should be to set out your norms and share expectations around how we show respect and what makes us feel respected.  You can discuss and agree boundaries relating to accepted actions during circles and agreed actions for when the group guidelines are not upheld.  The guidelines are intended to describe the behaviours that the participants’ feel will make the space safe for them to speak their truth. Guidelines are not rigid constraints, but supportive reminders of the shared expectations of everyone. The basic Circle "norms" usually include, only one person speaks at a time, stick to the agreed circle topic, respect the person talking, you can pass if you wish to do so.

Talking piece – A talking piece can be used to signify who is talking and is passed from person to person around the circle. Only the person holding the talking piece may speak. It allows the holder to speak without interruption and allows the listeners to focus on listening and not be distracted, focussing on, or planning a response to the speaker. The talking piece is a powerful equaliser, it allows every participant equal opportunity to speak and carries with it the understanding, that everyone in the circle has something important to offer the group. As it passes physically from hand to hand, the talking piece weaves a connecting thread among the members of the circle. Where possible the talking piece should represent something important to the group. The more meaning the talking piece has to participants, the more powerful it will be in gaining respect for the circle process.

At last rough count, my talking piece has passed through the hands of over 1000 people in the last 3 years, it has travelled through 4 states and territories, country towns and capital cities, it’s been to schools, workplaces and organisations and it has much more work to do. Every time I bring it out in a workshop, it brings a little piece of everyone and every place I have been in the past, into the present, reminding me of the importance of belonging and connection and how the humble circle can start building stronger communities.

Stay connected…

Amanda