Reciprocity Ring
A structured exercise where people make requests and offer help within a group.
Also known as: Give and get exercise, Request circle, Help circle
Category: Techniques
Tags: reciprocity, networking, collaboration, exercises, community
Explanation
The Reciprocity Ring is a structured group exercise developed by Wayne Baker and Cheryl Baker where participants make requests for help and offer to help others. The exercise works by: each person stating a meaningful request, everyone considering how they can help, and connections forming across the group. The ring format overcomes: reluctance to ask for help, lack of awareness of others' needs, and the 'looking for opportunities to give' barrier. Results often include: unexpected connections, requests fulfilled through group knowledge, and revelation of hidden resources within networks. The exercise demonstrates that: people want to help but often don't know how, groups contain more resources than members realize, and structured asking creates giving opportunities. Organizations use reciprocity rings to: build collaborative culture, surface hidden knowledge, and strengthen connections. Best practices include: genuine requests (not too easy), diverse participants, and follow-up on connections made. For knowledge workers, reciprocity rings show the power of: asking explicitly, offering help proactively, and creating structured opportunities for generalized reciprocity.
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