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Resources for Lean In Circles

Lean In Circles are small groups of peers that come together to support one another and learn new skills.

Women at Work Collection^BETA

Additional Circle Resources

Tips for Circle Leaders

Tips for getting started

Not sure who to invite or where to meet? Take a look at our tips for starting a Circle.

Why you should start a Lean In Circle

Advice from our community members on leading a Circle—–from finding new opportunities for your members to building confidence as a leader.

What it means to be a Circle Leader

Being a Circle Leader takes work, but it’s a deeply rewarding volunteer experience that helps to build leadership skills.

Ready to lead? Here's how to get started

From hands-on training, to email templates to invite members to join, to resources for every Circle meeting—we provide everything you need to make your Circle a success.

Who to invite to your Lean In Circle

Circles usually have 8–12 members, but you can start small and build from there.

How to schedule Circle meetings

Tips and tools to help you schedule meetings and keep track of who’s attending.

How to set goals for your Circle

Recommendations for how to set shared goals that will help your Circle choose relevant topics for discussion and stay on track as a group.

Tips for leading a Lean In Circle

From finding relevant topics for your monthly meetings to advice on keeping the group on track, these tips will set you up for success.

What to discuss in your Lean In Circle meetings

How to navigate Lean In’s library of skill-building resources and find relevant topics for your Circle to discuss each month.

How to run your first meeting

This article provides guidance on how to prepare for and conduct your very first Circle meeting.

Tips for facilitating a great Circle meeting

How to prepare for and facilitate productive meetings, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and keeping the conversation on track.

How to make your Circle meetings a success

Tips to help you make your Circle a success—no matter how big it is or where you meet.

Communicating with your Circle between meetings

The pros and cons of our community’s favorite communication platforms.

Tips for running a virtual Lean In Circle

If you’re thinking of starting a virtual Circle, we’ve assembled some tips for how to make your virtual Circle meetings a success.

Connection activities

Connection activities help members share personal stories and get to know one another, tapping into your Circle’s ideas, experiences, and support. They’re an excellent addition to your Circle meetings every few months.

Connection Cards

Connection Cards are like TableTopics for your Circle. You’ll use a deck of cards to answer questions and get to know one another—fast.

Your Childhood Self

Use childhood photos to help you connect with your younger and adult selves—and deepen trust within your Circle.

Lean In Bingo

Quickly exchange personal experiences and qualities—with an element of friendly competition.

Resources to promote your Circle

These resources were developed to help you grow your Circle and use the Lean In Circle logo. Please note that the use of the Lean In Circle logo and other marketing resources is covered by our terms of service.

Circles marketing kit

Connection Cards are like TableTopics for your Circle. You’ll use a deck of cards to answer questions and get to know one another—fast.

Sample email to help you invite new members

Use this sample email template to invite members to join your Circle.

Volunteer job description: Lean In Circle Leader

Use our official language to talk about this volunteer leadership experience on your résumé.

Start a Circle to work through the collection!