What is a Council? An Approach to Listening and Sharing

People need places where they are seen, heard, and feel connected. The concept of “Council” ties into this ancient practice. It’s about collective thinking, open sharing, and genuine listening – qualities that are more important today than ever. But what exactly is a Council? Where does it come from, how is it used today, and what makes it so special? This blog article takes you on a journey to the origins and modern application of a timeless principle.

The Origins of Council – Stories as a Connecting Element

A Council is as old as humanity itself. Since ancient times, people have gathered in circles to tell stories, share knowledge, and listen to one another. These gatherings around the fire were much more than simple conversations. They created community, helped process experiences, and offered guidance during uncertain times.

The practice of storytelling and listening fulfills several important functions:

• Strengthening community: Sharing stories fosters closeness and a sense of belonging.
• Learning from experiences: Shared experiences provide knowledge and insights that can help others.
• Creating understanding: Sharing one’s thoughts often leads to greater self-clarity – both speaking and listening are equally important.

It was crucial that every voice was heard. It wasn’t about judging or evaluating, but about creating space for whatever wanted to be said. This principle – the power of listening and respectful interaction – remains at the heart of Council today.

Council in the Modern World – More than Just a Conversation

The principle of Council has found its place in various areas of modern society. While it was originally a way to strengthen communities and share wisdom, today it is consciously used as a method to promote communication, foster reflection, and create connection. Council stands out clearly from other forms of dialogue through its structure and attitude.

Council is characterized by the following key features:

• Clear framework: There are clear guidelines to ensure that every voice is heard, creating an atmosphere of respect and openness.
• Focus on listening: Unlike discussions, the goal is not to argue or persuade, but to listen actively and empathetically.
• Freedom from judgment: Everything shared can simply resonate without being immediately commented on or judged.
• Confidentiality rule: What is said stays in the circle. The stories of others are not retold outside.

These characteristics make Council a method that enables deeper levels of exchange.

Application of Council

Council is highly flexible and can be applied in a variety of contexts:

• In organizations: Leadership teams use Councils to reflect on decisions, explore conflicts, or gain new perspectives. Council is especially helpful during times of change, as it creates space for honest communication.
• In communities: Whether in clubs, neighborhoods, or social projects – Councils strengthen bonds and provide a platform for open sharing and collective learning.
• Personal development: Individuals use Council to better understand themselves and enhance their capacity for empathy. Consciously sharing thoughts and listening to others promotes reflection and insight.

What Makes Council Special?

The special quality of Council lies in how people interact. The absence of judgment creates a space where participants can authentically show themselves. Listening becomes an intentional act, allowing participants not only to better understand others but also to perceive themselves more clearly.

This practice of mindful sharing and listening has a profound effect. It creates connection, stimulates reflection, and often brings insights that remain hidden in other forms of communication.

The Structure of a Council – A Space for Listening and Sharing

A Council is more than a conversation. It follows a clear structure that creates space for deep listening, free storytelling, and mutual understanding. Each participant shares without the need to react to others or to evaluate their thoughts. Through this structure, a special dynamic emerges that fosters community and connection.

How Does a Council Work?

• The circle and the talking piece: All participants sit in a circle, physically or virtually, symbolizing equality. A talking piece – or another symbol – is used to indicate who speaks and who listens. Only the person holding the piece speaks, while everyone else listens.
• The storytelling begins: The first participant shares a story, experience, or thought that is currently moving them. It can be something business-related, personal, or something from daily life. The key is to express thoughts without interruption and at their own pace.
• Listening without intention: The other participants listen attentively – not in order to reply, but to understand and allow the story to resonate.
• The next storyteller: After the first participant passes on the talking piece, the next person shares whatever comes up for them. It is never a direct reaction or advice based on the previous story. Instead, it’s simply what the story has evoked within them.

Connection Through Shared Stories

This way of storytelling and listening creates a deeper bond among participants. When people are allowed to speak honestly and unfiltered, a space is created where everyone feels equally seen and understood. It’s not about solving problems or exchanging opinions. Instead, participants develop a deep understanding of each other – and often of themselves.

Council as a Community

Council is not just a one-time gathering but a committed community of people who come together regularly. This continuity is crucial because it builds trust and familiarity. Each participant knows that others are there, listening and respecting the space. Over time, a bond develops that goes far beyond mere exchange.

From Traditional Council to Entrepreneur Council – Similarities and Differences

While the traditional Council often focuses on personal experiences, social concerns, and collective reflection, an Entrepreneur Council (or Business Council) brings the same principles into an organizational context. Even though the environment and goals may differ, the core remains the same: authentic sharing, deep listening, and building trust.

Differences in Context

• Focus of content: In an Entrepreneur Council, the topics often revolve around business matters – such as leadership issues, strategic decisions, or personal challenges in the professional context.
• Professional framework: The meetings often have a more formal setup, yet the principles of equality and non-judgment apply here just as they do in traditional Councils.
• Purpose: While a traditional Council often focuses on strengthening community and self-reflection, an Entrepreneur Council can also serve purposes like improving decision-making, building stronger leadership teams, and promoting a healthy communication culture.

Similarities in Practice

Despite the different contexts, traditional and Entrepreneur Councils share essential core elements:

• The circle remains a symbol of equality and connection.
• The talking piece ensures everyone speaks mindfully and listens consciously.
• Storytelling serves as a bridge between experiences and knowledge.
• Confidentiality ensures trust and depth.

Thus, Council becomes a powerful tool in organizations to strengthen authentic leadership and deepen collaboration.

Conclusion: Council – Connection Through Listening and Storytelling

Council is more than a method – it is an attitude toward communication and community. In a world where conversations often feel rushed and fragmented, Council offers an alternative space: a place where speaking and listening happen mindfully, where every voice matters, and where shared stories create deep connections.

Whether in traditional communities or modern organizations – Council reminds us that true connection emerges when we listen with our hearts, share honestly, and create a space where everyone can be seen and heard.

Source Information: The Way of Council

The “Way of Council” was developed primarily by Jack Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle.
They described this practice in their foundational book The Way of Council (1996), which remains a key reference for this mindful approach to speaking and listening.

Zimmerman and Coyle were part of the Ojai Foundation in California — an organization dedicated to fostering awareness, education, and community building.
Inspired by indigenous traditions of gathering in circles and storytelling, they shaped the Council practice into a structured method that allows people to speak authentically and listen deeply within a safe space.

The four core intentions of the Way of Council are:

1. Speak from the heart – Share personal experiences and feelings rather than opinions or arguments.
2. Listen from the heart – Receive the words of others with full presence, without judgment or analysis.
3. Be spontaneous – Speak when truly moved, rather than planning ahead.
4. Be lean of speech – Share what is essential, keeping the circle open and spacious for all.

Today, Council is practiced in diverse fields such as education, business, community development, and personal growth.
It fosters empathy, strengthens connection, and nurtures collective wisdom.

For more information, see The Way of Council by Jack Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle, or visit the website of the Ojai Foundation.

Source: Based on The Way of Council by Jack Zimmerman and Virginia Coyle (1996) and the work of the Ojai Foundation.