Circle Power - A Motivational Keynote Speaker's Perspective

Posted by Vince Poscente on Wed, Sep 12, 2012 @ 05:15 AM

motivational circlesIt wasn’t the fire pit that elicited that feeling. It wasn’t the crooning brook hugging the perimeter either. Even the comfy teak rocking chairs in the fresh autumn air weren’t the source. The pivotal reason our backyard fire pit was such a special, therapeutic place was simple – circle power.

In the Native American culture, circles encompassed their existence. According the writings of the Oglala Sioux Holy Man, Black Elk, the “Power of the world works in circles, and everything tries to be round.” He referenced nature's four seasons, the sky, birds nests and “the circle from childhood to childhood, and so its in everything where power moves.”

In the 19 th century, Monet, Renoir and Degas consistently met with fellow artists to discuss their craft, exchange ideas and better understand their industry. They attributed their success, and the rise of impressionism, to these power circles.

Carl Jung was the first person to identify circle power as an archetype of integration and wholesomeness. He determined the circle model as much-needed medicine for social and psychological disintegration.

At home we have the perfect space for a round dining room table. The profound difference between a squared off table and a round one was immediately obvious. The backyard fire pit was no different.

Boxy homes with boxy rooms dictate the dissociative undercurrents of sitting at a right angle to someone else. Turn the dynamic into a circle and the energy is amplified. Boardrooms across the globe miss the opportunity to elevate the level of engagement, exchange and even innovation with the cornered-table environs.

Scott Belsky, author of Making Ideas Happen supports this approach. “The most successful circles are made up of people who have a shared commitment and are willing to keep a set of rules.” Teamwork communication expert, Mark Taylor describes the “Power of threes” as a vast communication improvement. He points out the impact of two person exchanges are dwarfed by the influence additional perspectives have on a discussion. With a circle, the power of connection and new ideas spring forth.

The circle power dynamic is also palpable in conference or event settings. When conference planners ( such as our clients - Hampton Inns or Campbell’s) configure the room in a circular fashion the energy in the room jumps. Don’t let a hotel worker arrange the chairs as a squadron of militaristic, straight rows. Theater-style completes a circle with the stage. Look no further than comedy clubs to understand how this kind of seating around the stage results in souped-up energy and giddy crowds.

Circular seating is comfortable. It promotes active listening. It even transcends time and space. The outside world is irrelevant for those precious moments where everyone is equal and joined in a healthy union.

Now, if you were one of the eight people who enjoyed our fire pit last Saturday night, this might be more analysis than necessary. Basically, it felt good to gather friends in a circle.

Tags: Motivational