Back to Library
ToolIntermediate

Circle Pattern

The S3 pattern page defining a circle as a self-governing and semi-autonomous team that collaborates around a domain.

Source: Sociocracy 3.0Added June 12, 2026
Open original resource

Why it matters

The circle pattern helps organizations define where authority lives, which is essential for moving from vague participation to real distributed governance.

Best for

Teams designing circles, departments, pods, committees, or delegated working groups.

This resource is a concise reference for the core unit of circle-based governance. It is useful when a team needs to distinguish a circle from an informal working group or standing meeting.

Continue with the original source

Heirloom Library entries are summaries and wayfinding notes. The original source is the best place to read the full resource.

Open original resource

Related

Keep exploring

Framework·Intro

Sociocracy 3.0

The official Sociocracy 3.0 site introducing S3 as a free, modular pattern language for evolving agile and resilient organizations.

Sociocracy 3.0
SociocracySelf-management+2 categoriesDemocratic organizationHuman-centered organization+2 models
Guide·Advanced

Sociocracy 3.0 Practical Guide

A detailed free guide to Sociocracy 3.0 principles, patterns, concepts, and practices for evolving collaboration.

Sociocracy 3.0
SociocracySelf-management+2 categoriesDemocratic organizationHuman-centered organization+2 models
Template·Advanced

Sociocracy For All Governance Agreement

A real governance agreement from Sociocracy For All showing how domains, circles, authority, operations, and budget responsibilities can be documented.

Sociocracy For All
SociocracyTools+2 categoriesDemocratic organizationHuman-centered organization+2 models