The Three Circles Model of Engagement
Trying to engage everybody doesn't work.
It sounds counterintuitive in our connection-obsessed world, but trying to engage everyone in a network equally wears us down.
Enter the Three Circles Model of Engagement, which recognises something we've all felt but rarely named: participation naturally flows in layers, and engagement isn't static. People move between circles as life changes, capacity shifts, and interests evolve. Instead of fighting this natural flow, we need to design for it.
The Three Circles Model of Engagement
🔥 The Stewards (inner circle): Deeply committed people who tend to the whole community - the firekeepers, guardians, and systems thinkers who hold the collective vision.
🌐 The Co-Creators (middle circle): Active participants who dive deep for seasons - they are working group members, project leads, the folks showing up consistently to build something meaningful together.
💫 The Friends (outer circle): People staying lightly connected - event attendees, newsletter readers, casual supporters who benefit and contribute in their own rhythms.
