What it means to be a Circle Leader

Most people who start a Circle don't think of themselves as leaders. They don't feel qualified. They're not sure anyone would want to follow them. That's exactly why they often become great ones.

The work (It's less than you think!)

Supporting others becomes one of the fastest ways to grow yourself. That's the quiet truth at the center of every Circle—and it starts with a role that is simpler than it sounds.

You create a space where people feel safe enough to be honest. You show up consistently. You ask thoughtful questions. And you hold the group accountable—gently, but reliably, over time.

In practical terms: you host one meeting a month, prepare for it, and help keep the group connected in between. Most Circle Leaders spend about 2–4 hours a month. It takes a bit more time at the beginning, and less once you find your rhythm.

You don't need to be an expert

The people in your Circle aren't looking for someone with all the answers. They're looking for someone they trust to hold the space.

You are a peer who shows up, listens, and creates structure. The wisdom is already in the room. Your job is to create the conditions for it to surface.

And you're not doing it alone. Lean In's resources — discussion guides, educational materials, and a community of Circle Leaders who've been exactly where you are — are there whenever you need them.

Leading will change you

Leading a Circle builds skills that are hard to develop anywhere else.

You become a better listener — not just waiting to respond, but truly hearing others. You grow more comfortable with silence, with uncertainty, and with not having all the answers. Over time, you build a leadership presence that carries into every part of your work and into your personal life.

The line between supporting others and growing yourself blurs quickly. We've seen it again and again: the leaders who show up for their members are often the ones who change most.

"I'm such an introvert, but being a Circle moderator has made things totally different for me. It helped my confidence. Now I can actually say that I'm a leader."
— Julene Allen, Circle leader, Lean In Ohio

What you give your Circle members

You give people a place to be seen. You create opportunities for honest conversations. And you create a community that helps them stay accountable to their own goals.

That accountability shows up in the data: according to Lean In's research, Circle members are more likely to get promoted and receive raises than their peers who aren't in Circles. Those outcomes don't happen by accident. They start with consistent support and shared commitment — exactly what you make possible.

"As Circle leader, I've gotten new sisters. I don't know if I'd be where I am without them. I'm more confident to go for challenges."
— Gina Richards, Circle leader, Procter & Gamble

When women support each other at work, it changes what work looks like. One Circle at a time.

The honest part

This won't always be easy.

Some meetings won't go as planned. People will miss sessions. Life will get busy. And some Circles won't last. All of these experiences are valuable, too.

The leaders who make the biggest impact aren't the ones who had everything figured out from the start. They're the ones who kept showing up — even when it was uncomfortable — and built something real over time.

You don't have to be ready. You just have to begin.

Leadership is not a single moment. It's built one conversation at a time.

Being a Lean In Circle Leader is a volunteer role. Circle Leaders do not charge members or profit from their Circle in any way.