Remember Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s 2013 bestseller Lean In, about the advancement of women in the workplace? Since then, Lean In Circles have sprung up around the globe.
Peer support
“Lean In Circles are about the power of peer support,” explains the website Leanincircles.org. “While we can’t guarantee you’ll achieve your wildest dream, we can promise that joining a Circle will give you the support to go for it.” The concept really works, they claim: Those who join Lean In Circles are more confident and ambitious, more likely to ask for – and receive – promotions, and more aware of the role that gender plays at work, according to research by Leanin.org and McKinsey & Company conducted in 2015.
In 150 countries
So far, there are 34,000 Lean In Circles in 150 countries. They are small groups of typically eight to twelve members with shared goals and/or at similar stages in their lives. Members meet up regularly, for example over lunch, at work or even via Skype, to learn and grow. Groups rely on mutual support and free resources available on the Leanin.org website on topics such as leadership, networking, negotiation and work-life balance.
Start your own circle
Search for a nearby or online circle via Leanin.org. If you can’t find one that is right for you, the website provides guidance on how to set up a brand new circle yourself. There’s simply no excuse not to Lean In.
Photo of Sheryl Sandberg: TechCrunch50-2008 – Flickr
