"Circle Culture" - Inspirations from intentional communities for meeting and workplace culture
- Bastian Lindberg
- Sep 9, 2024
- 4 min read
In recent years, I have gained extensive experience with "circles" and ceremonies in conscious communities. Not least from my former colleague Lena Brandt, who incorporated this into our work at A Tribe Called Humans and wrote an article that forms the basis for this one.
In these communities, it is customary to come together in circles for all kinds of interactions – from rituals and celebrations to cooking and eating together. These circles are carefully designed spaces where all participants interact consciously and deliberately reflect on what they want to create together.
These experiences have taught me a great deal about mindful forms of communication and interaction with others. And so, I asked myself the question:
How can we integrate these practices of circle culture into our daily work routine, especially in our meeting culture?
And how can we translate them in a simple, understandable way to create a more mindful way of collaboration?
There are many ways to incorporate the tried-and-tested, carefully designed aspects of circles and ceremonies into our meeting and workplace culture. I’m happy to share what I’ve already had positive experiences with—both individually and as a team. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to try it out yourself. Or perhaps you’ll develop other approaches tailored specifically to you and your team? I’d love to hear about it!
A small note: Not all of these methods work for every company or team, and they don’t have to. #youdoyou! Also, you don’t have to implement everything at once. Start with 1-2 aspects and gradually add more over time or adjust existing ones. Experiment, reflect, realign – just the way we love it.
#1: Set a clear, shared intention for your meeting or gathering.
Before starting a new workweek, coming together as a team, or beginning a meeting, take a moment to set a shared intention. You can ask yourself:
Why are we doing this? What is the purpose, the desired outcome of our shared time, the upcoming week, or the meeting? What do we want to focus our attention and awareness on?
There may be different perspectives and opinions, but try to find common ground so that everyone understands why you are here and where you are going. Being on the same wavelength not only creates a sense of belonging but also boosts (intrinsic) motivation.
#2: Start your meeting with one minute of silence.
A moment of calm and inner focus. Eyes closed, just breathe. This allows everyone to fully arrive in the shared space and concentrate on the set intention.
Often, we rush from one meeting to the next, squeeze in a quick phone call, or send off a last-minute email—our minds are scattered, and we lack focus. By taking a minute to settle in, we become present and leave behind everything that isn’t absolutely necessary in that moment.
This is also a great way to end a meeting consciously and leave the shared space with intention.
#3: Be fully present.
Our full presence is probably the greatest gift we can give each other. The next time you're in a meeting or attending a presentation – stop scrolling through your phone, stop answering emails, and give the person in front of you your undivided attention. Listen consciously to what this person has to say.
If you want to take it a step further: Take a moment of silence after someone has expressed their opinion on a topic; give each other time to let the words sink in. Use the space between stimulus and response.
© Mathilde Langevin
#4: Respect others' time.
Every circle and every ceremony, as well as every work meeting or gathering, has a (more or less) defined beginning and a defined end. By adhering to the schedule—arriving on time, starting on time, and ending on time; whether you are the host or simply a participant—you also respect the time of others, which is a very precious resource.
This also means trying to stay until the end of a meeting. Someone may have invested a lot of time and energy into a presentation—honor this by remaining present until it is fully completed.
You will experience a complete shift in the flow when you start and end a meeting as a closed group.
#5: Name a "Master of Ceremonies"
In every circle and ceremony, there is a "master of ceremonies." Someone who holds the space and guides the other participants through the shared time. I have personally experienced that it makes a big difference to have a "master of ceremonies" in your business meetings as well.
Someone who takes the lead, keeps an eye on the time, ensures equal participation for everyone present. Someone who simply holds the space so that others can open up more comfortably, participate, and thrive.
Note: It doesn’t necessarily have to be the person who scheduled the meeting or holds a leadership position. It can be anyone who feels called to hold the space.
#6: Bring fresh ideas from time to time.
No circle is like the other, and the same applies to meetings. While it can be beneficial to maintain certain rituals and routines, introducing variety from time to time fosters our creativity (and can be enjoyable).
Take a walk together instead of sitting in a conference room. Gather in a circle of chairs instead of sitting around a table. Hold your next team meeting in a new location. Experience and learn new things together.
#7: Promote open sharing.
A short sharing circle at the beginning of a week or a meeting, where everyone can share how they are currently feeling. Am I stressed and in need of support? Am I full of energy and able to take on someone else’s load?
By sharing our current state, we give others the opportunity to meet us in that space. Isn’t it wonderful? Knowing when someone is going through a tough time – you can offer help. Knowing another team member can take on more – you can ask for support.
© Antenna
I admit – it can be challenging to share how you’re feeling with your colleagues and maybe even your supervisor. But ultimately, we are all human, with feelings, emotions, and struggles. Vulnerability is the key to creating an authentic and mindful meeting and workplace culture.
