Tips for running a virtual Lean In Circle

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Lean In Circles started meeting virtually—and continue to do so today. And many Circles that are just getting started are also opting to run virtually. The benefits of running a virtual Circle include:

• Greater accessibility (might be easier for some people to attend online versus commuting to an in-person meeting)
• The ability to connect with women outside of their immediate geographical area, to bring new perspectives

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

Here is a list of free platforms that you can use to host your virtual Circle meetings:

Max Number of Participants: 100

Meeting Time Limit: No time limit

Click here for a full list of features and to learn more.

Max Number of Participants: 50

Meeting Time Limit: 4 hours

Click here for a full list of features and to learn more.

Max Number of Participants: 100

Meeting Time Limit: 40 minutes

Click here for a full list of features and to learn more.

Max Number of Participants: 100

Meeting Time Limit: 50 minutes

Click here for a full list of features and to learn more.

Max Number of Participants: 50

Meeting Time Limit: No time limit

Click here for a full list of features and to learn more.

Max Number of Participants: 8

Meeting Time Limit: No time limit

Click here for a full list of features and to learn more.

Please note: These links are being provided for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by LeanIn.Org of any of the products, services or opinions of the organizations. Information listed is subject to change, and we recommend contacting the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.

• Simple preparation goes a long way. Just as you would for face-to-face Circle meetings, as the monthly moderator you should come prepared and provide structure for the meeting. This includes making sure you share with everyone ahead of time what you will cover at the upcoming meeting.
• Use video if possible. Meeting attendees are more engaged when they can see what's happening. By using video, participants can see the moderator’s and other members’ facial expressions and body language on the screen. Video meetings also lead to more effective collaboration and make it harder to zone out or multitask. Don’t worry about looking perfect on video calls; Circle meetings are about showing up as your real selves.
• Find a quiet spot. As with an in-person Circle, privacy and confidentiality are key. Finding a quiet place from which to join the meeting helps you be more present and ensures everyone feels safe to share.
• Set ground rules. Set ground rules upfront about how the virtual meeting will work, when to speak, and how to contribute, so everyone has a chance to contribute. Just as in face-to-face Circle meetings, moderators should feel empowered to make sure the discussion stays on track, is inclusive of all members, and provides an actionable outcome.
• Make sure all members feel empowered to share. As a moderator, if you notice that some members are hesitant to speak up, encourage them to do so. Do your best to make sure everyone feels included, even in this virtual setting.
• Give virtual support. One of the most powerful elements of a Circle is creating a safe, supportive space. You can use a variety of meeting features to provide that support, such as group chat (to cheer people on when they’re sharing), direct messages (when someone might need a private note of support), and hand gestures/visual cues (to reassure people that you’re listening).
• Decide on a “One Action” at the end of the meeting. We recommend you close every Circle meeting by committing to “One Action”—one concrete thing you’re going to do before your next Circle meeting to step outside your comfort zone or practice a new skill. This holds true for virtual meetings, too! For example, if you talked about work-life balance, set a goal of leaving the office at 5 p.m. at least once a week. You’ll see a prompt for setting your One Action in each of our meeting guides.

When meeting virtually, it’s more important than ever to communicate regularly with your Circle and provide a way for members to stay in touch. Here are a few of the most popular options for how to do this:

• Facebook Groups: Facebook Groups are a popular way to connect online. They can be openly available for anyone to join (public), require administrator approval for members to join (closed), or be private and by invitation only (secret).
• WhatsApp or other group text messaging apps: WhatsApp is a messaging app that allows you to communicate with multiple people through its group chat function. Great for real time conversations.
• Slack: Slack is a messaging app that allows you to communicate as a group, create separate channels for different topics of conversation, and have one-on-one conversations.

There are over 83,000 Lean In Circles in 183 countries worldwide. Join our global Lean In Circle Leaders Facebook group to stay connected and share best practices with Circle Leaders from all around the world.