<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><HTML><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Geneva" FAMILY="SANSSERIF" SIZE="2">Thanks to everyone for this interesting conversation about the pros and cons of working in circles. I have worked in circles with a wide variety of different groups, though occasionally the space has forced the circle into a rectangle--in one case, a rectangle at the front of a room where the rest of the space was theater style, with seats on raised tiers.<BR>
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When the sponsors have asked the reason for the circle, I usually mention that it helps the group to see and hear everyone present, and puts everyone in the organization on an equal footing--which they generally support. I also ask the sponsor to make their opening remarks from the center of the circle. They sometimes comment that it feels a little awkward, which turns out to be a good ice-breaker.<BR>
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I did have one person object loudly--a participant came into the room, saw the set-up chairs, and said loudly, "I'm not going to sit in any circle!" Then she helped herself to coffee and cookies, came into the circle and sat down--where she was a lively participant all day long.<BR>
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I agree that a change from business-as-usual can be a little threatening. I remember a colleague telling me about holding problem-solving meetings with chairs in a circle and no table--years ago, when working in a circle was more unusual in a business environment than it is today. He recalls looking around the room and observing that everyone was holding things on their laps "covering their balls."<BR>
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However, I have noticed that when we start the meeting in a circle, almost every breakout group puts their chairs in a circle as well, so apparently the idea is not so strange after the initial surprise.<BR>
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I agree with Kaliya that you do what you can to make people comfortable--but I think I am comfortable with people being just a little uncomfortable when they try something new.<BR>
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Still pondering,<BR>
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Joelle</FONT><FONT COLOR="#000000" FACE="Geneva" FAMILY="SANSSERIF" SIZE="2"></FONT><BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour</HTML>
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