By Cecilia B. Loving* I heard my mother’s words—“let the circle be unbroken”—long before I knew I was a “circle keeper.” Now, as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the New York City Fire Department, I realize that restorative circles are one of the most powerful tools available to help create a more positive and holistic work environment. Circles open communication channels, help resolve conflict, encourage trust and transparency, and create a safe space for courageous conversations—all of which cultivate a better sense Restorative circles, used by courts, prisons, schools, and others, are based on the belief that what we need to enhance or even repair relationships will evolve naturally, through dialogue in a circle. The “circle keeper” formulates questions for the circle. A “talking piece” is passed to give everyone a chance to speak. No one interrupts. No one is required to speak, but everyone is invited. All participants are treated equally, regardless of rank or title. By building a foundation of wisdom based on shared stories, experiences, and perspectives, the circle becomes a container—strong enough to hold emotions that are difficult to process. In circles, there are “shifts,” moments of enlightenment. Sometimes, we “shift” because of what we share. The most meaningful way we connect with others is to share our stories. Sometimes, our ability to “hold space” for someone else’s story is what we need to discover something about ourselves. Circles not only reveal our own suffering, but also how we have harmed others. Sometimes anger enters the circle, which is necessary to express. Anger can be a catalyst to release toxins, move beyond pain, and even open our hearts to forgiveness. Adapting the Process for a ‘Check in’ of belonging and community. How Circles Create Dialogue Environments like firehouses, where people are accustomed to talking around the kitchen table, can easily adapt to the circle process. I’ve also circled in conference rooms, offices, auditoriums, and at retreats. We use circles to “check in” regarding topics that are important to us. We use circles to find out how our colleagues’ needs can be met and to build a foundation of trust in the center of shared experience.I learned about the power of restorative circles from Judge Raymond E. Kramer, executive director of the NYC Center for Creative Conflict Resolution. The center provides NYC agencies with positive ways to have difficult conversations. How Circles Build Community The first time I used restorative circles was to address conflict. I later realized that circles are equally important to build community. By passing the talking piece, we can listen to concerns that we would not otherwise hear. We can offer resources to those we would not otherwise know are in need. We can renew
94
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online