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Program Background

Lean In Spurred Voice & Influence™ Circles

Following the release of her book Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, spoke to a large gathering of the Stanford community. Afterwards, an interest emerged in offering university-supported peer mentoring "circles" to provide professional development opportunities and connections for women across campus.

Under the sponsorship of University Human Resources and the Clayman Institute for Gender Research, a pilot was launched in October 2013.

Highlights:

  • The pilot included 45 women representing all university schools and departments
  • These women co-lead more than 20 Circles, which averaged seven members each
  • Members were recruited by the co-leaders based on the groups' specific goals
  • Groups ranged from newly appointed managers who were also young mothers, to empty nesters looking to determine their next career path, to women with specific types of work responsibilities
  • The Circles met monthly for nine months and leveraged content developed by the Clayman Institute
  • Topics included Negotiation, Power of Stories, Creating a Level Playing Field, and Power & Influence

Research Project Followed Circles Participation and Outcomes

A research project took place alongside the pilot to better understand the best conditions for the greatest impact of the Circles and collect and share best practices to other organizations. The research project followed several Circles closely and surveyed all of the leaders and participants at the beginning and end of their Circle sessions. Study outcomes relate to:

  • The importance of the structure, consistent curriculum and discussion guides
  • The importance of the tone of openness set by the co-leads
  • Logistical challenges

The research also highlighted the appreciation felt by leaders for this type of development, and the importance of breaking out of “silos” to connect across the university.

For more information on the pilot, view the full article in the Stanford Report.

Continued Interest Propels Circles into Next Phase

At the conclusion of the pilot it was evident that the peer mentoring, networking and community building was inspiring and meaningful for the leaders and participants. There is a great appetite for the Circles to continue and grow. That’s why we’re launching the next phase of the program and we’re currently recruiting new Circle Leaders.