Tip 132: Circle of Trust Touchstones
Parker Palmer, author of Let Your Life Speak and A Hidden Wholeness, describes 10 basic Touchstones that create a Circle of Trust for safe and trustworthy spaces. These touchstones help define clear boundaries for working together in organizations, communities, or networks with integrity and trust—inviting each person to show up and contribute.
Circle of Trust Touchstones
Give and receive welcome.
Be present as fully as possible.
What is offered in the circle is by invitation, not demand.
Speak your truth in ways that respect other people’s truth.
No fixing, advising, or correcting each other.
Learn to respond to others with honest, open questions.
When the going gets tough, turn to wonder.
Attend to your own inner teacher.
Trust and learn from silence.
Observe deep confidentiality
Know that it is possible.
Read more about this week’s leadership tip and Parker Palmer’s Circle of Trust Touchstones at
