Existing Circles
- Core circle
What is a Circle?
(Holacracy)
A circle is a self-organizing team structure where a group of people come together around a shared purpose or function. Each circle has defined roles, accountabilities, and authority to make decisions within its domain. Circles operate semi-autonomously while remaining connected to the broader organizational structure.
Key characteristics of a circle include:
- Clear purpose: Every circle exists to fulfill a specific purpose that supports the organization's mission.
- Defined roles: Members hold specific roles with clear accountabilities rather than fixed job descriptions.
- Distributed authority: Decision-making power is distributed to those closest to the work.
- Transparent governance: Circles use structured processes to evolve their structure and clarify expectations.
How to Create a Circle
Creating a new circle involves several key steps:
- Identify the need: Recognize an area of work or function that requires dedicated focus and coordination.
- Define the purpose: Articulate why this circle exists and what it aims to achieve.
- Establish the domain: Clarify what areas of authority and responsibility the circle will control.
- Assign initial roles: Determine the foundational roles needed, including a lead link (connector to parent circle) and facilitator.
- Connect to the structure: Link the new circle to existing circles, typically as a sub-circle of a broader circle.
- Hold the first governance meeting: Convene the circle to refine roles, accountabilities, and operating agreements.
Note: Circles evolve organically over time through regular governance meetings where members can propose changes to improve how the circle functions.