Can Lean In Circles Transform Workplace Culture?

Can Lean In Circles(Circles) transform the workplace culture that leaves six in 10 senior-level women burned out? We often hear about the problems facing women in the workplace in news articles and stories, but it's rare to encounter concrete, actionable, and effective solutions. Circles are worth of considering if you're looking to improve your organization's workplace culture and environment.

Since 2013 Women have been forming Circles informally to support each other and discuss the ideas in Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. The non-profit Lean In organization formalized them as a no cost employee resource to further women's development, build support networks, and address the most urgent needs of women in the workplace.

Circles typically have eight to 12 members who meet regularly to learn new skills and mentor one another in pursuit of their professional goals and development. In-person or virtual meetings are usually held monthly for 60 to 90 minutes. Circles are grass-roots and run by employees from the ground up. Research consistently demonstrates that smaller peer-led groups produce better learning outcomes than larger groups and top-down instruction. Peer mentorship can be as effective as other types in generating momentum, building expertise, while producing longer lasting relationships.

Organizations with Circles, and those open to allowing their employees to create them, are likely to foster greater wealth creation for their females employees over time. As you think about your professional goals and development, consider whether or not your participation in a Circle aligns with your career trajectory and financial goals.