THE CIRCLE WAY AGREEMENTS

The use of agreements allows all members to have a free and profound exchange, to respect a diversity of views, and to share responsibility for the well-being and direction of the group. Agreements often used include:

• We hold all stories or personal material in confidentiality

• We listen to each other with compassion and curiosity

• We ask for what we need and offer what we can

• We agree that circle leaders will watch our need, timing and energy. We agree to pause at a signal when we feel the need to pause

THREE PRINCIPLES

• Responsibility is shared for the quality of experience

• Leadership rotates among all group members

• Reliance is on wholeness, rather than on any personal agenda

THREE PRACTICES

• Speak with intention, noting what has relevance to the conversation in the moment

• Listen with attention: respectful of the learning process for all members of the group

• Tend to the well-being of the circle: remaining aware of the impact of our contributions