{"id":5427,"date":"2025-01-20T12:18:09","date_gmt":"2025-01-20T12:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/?p=5427"},"modified":"2025-01-20T14:54:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T14:54:24","slug":"how-the-3-circles-model-adopts-to-internal-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/how-the-3-circles-model-adopts-to-internal-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"How the 3 circles model adopts to internal communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When it comes to <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/forget-mobile-friendly-build-a-mobile-first-intranet\/\">internal communication<\/a>, there\u2019s a simple truth that often gets overlooked: not every employee will be equally engaged. And that\u2019s perfectly okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many organisations still operate under the assumption that every employee should actively participate in <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/the-five-employee-needs-every-internal-comms-strategy-must-address\/\">internal communications<\/a>, but this approach ignores the diversity of <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/why-social-media-is-a-race-to-the-bottom-and-how-we-can-turn-it-around\/\">engagement<\/a> levels that exist in any workplace. Instead of trying to engage everyone the same way, we need a more nuanced approach. One that recognises and leverages these differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where the 3 Circles Model comes in, offering a fresh perspective that can help you tailor your <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/what-if-your-internal-comms-worked-like-a-real-community\/\">internal comms<\/a> strategies to meet employees where they are, rather than where you think they should be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the 3 Circles Model?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally developed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/michelbachmann\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/michelbachmann\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Michel Bachmann<\/a> and later expanded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/fabianpfortmuller\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/fabianpfortmuller\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fabian Pfortm\u00fcller<\/a>, the 3 Circles Model was designed to help <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/how-to-build-a-loyal-digital-community\/\">community<\/a> managers, but its insights are highly relevant for internal communication too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"820\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-2-1024x820.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-2-1024x820.png 1024w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-2-300x240.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-2-768x615.png 768w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-2-1536x1230.png 1536w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-2-2048x1640.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The model divides a group into three categories based on their level of engagement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Core: These are the most engaged individuals. In a workplace, they\u2019re your champions\u2014employees who regularly contribute to internal discussions, volunteer for projects, and act as advocates for the <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/why-every-team-misunderstands-brand-communities-and-what-its-costing-you\/\">company culture<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Committed: This group is engaged, but not as frequently as the core. They\u2019ll contribute when needed but might not take initiatives as often. They\u2019re responsive but not as proactive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passive: The silent observers who stay informed but rarely contribute. In a work setting, these employees prefer to stay on the side-lines and consume information rather than initiate conversations or actions. In many ways, they\u2019re the silent majority.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why unequal participation is normal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A key lesson from the 3 Circles Model is that expecting equal <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/the-next-era-of-media-is-participation-not-publishing\/\">participation<\/a> from all employees is unrealistic. Not everyone needs to engage at the same level, and trying to force that can backfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"492\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-5-1024x492.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-5-1024x492.png 1024w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-5-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-5-768x369.png 768w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-5-1536x739.png 1536w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-5-2048x985.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality, most organisations have employees who fall into all three categories: core, committed, and passive. The challenge isn\u2019t to get everyone to become highly engaged but to build a communication strategy that accommodates these varying levels of involvement. The focus should be to meet employees where they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Internal communication is fluid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"978\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-3-1024x978.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5432\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-3-1024x978.png 1024w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-3-300x286.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-3-768x733.png 768w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-3-1536x1466.png 1536w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-3.png 1988w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Engagement isn\u2019t something that stays fixed. Its free flowing and employees will move between different circles over time depending on their job roles, personal circumstances, or how connected they feel to what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Someone who\u2019s highly active today might step back tomorrow, and that\u2019s perfectly fine. This fluidity means your <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/the-duality-dilemma-in-internal-communications\/\">internal communication strategy<\/a> should be adaptable. tchop\u2122 makes this easier by offering tools like custom content feeds, real-time chats, <a href=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/unlock-user-engagement-with-community-driven-social-features\/\">push notifications<\/a>, and user-generated content. With tchop\u2122, employees can engage at their own pace, while you tailor your strategies based on their involvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Focus on movers, not the bystanders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s tempting to try to engage everyone, but that\u2019s not the most effective use of your resources. The 3 Circles Model suggests focusing on those who are already active or showing signs of willingness to engage more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your core employees, such as department heads and top performers, are often the key to driving communication. They\u2019re the ones creating content, sparking discussions, and setting the tone for others. Rather than trying to push passive employees to become active, concentrate on nurturing your core and middle groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"957\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-4-1024x957.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5434\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-4-1024x957.png 1024w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-4-300x280.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-4-768x718.png 768w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-4-1536x1436.png 1536w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-4-2048x1914.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, with tchop\u2122, you can create exclusive channels for your core group\u2014places where they can engage in leadership updates, real-time discussions, or project development. Meanwhile, your mid-circle (committed) employees can receive content that\u2019s relevant to their role, helping them stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let employees choose their level of engagement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the smartest takeaways from the 3 Circles Model is that engagement should never feel forced. If employees feel pressured to engage, it could backfire. Instead, let employees decide how involved they want to be. Create an environment where it\u2019s easy for people to participate when they\u2019re ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.tchop.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-1-1024x684.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-1-1024x684.png 1024w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-1-768x513.png 768w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-1-1536x1026.png 1536w, https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/How-the-3-circle-model-applies-to-Internal-Communication-visual-selection-1-2048x1367.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>tchop\u2122 helps you do this with its modular approach, offering different channels, threads, and interactive features that allow employees to engage in the ways that suit them best. Some might like to contribute to polls, while others may prefer to collaborate on projects or discussions. The point is to make engagement easy and accessible, not mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why this model works for Internal Communications<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The 3 Circles Model shows us that successful engagement isn\u2019t about making everyone equally active. It\u2019s about providing the right opportunities for people to engage on their own terms. That\u2019s where tchop\u2122 stands out, offering a variety of tools that cater to different engagement levels while keeping your communication strategy unified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you\u2019re tired of trying to make every employee engage the same way, it\u2019s time to rethink your approach. Focus on creating adaptable strategies that meet employees where they are, and use tchop\u2122 to ensure that your internal communication remains personal, relevant, and effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unequal participation is natural. Focus on those who are already engaged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Engagement is fluid. Employees move between levels of engagement, and your strategy should reflect that.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let employees choose their engagement level. Provide options and let them decide how they want to be involved.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By applying the 3 Circles Model, you can create more effective, nuanced internal communication strategies that empower you employees to engage when they\u2019re ready; leading to healthier, more dynamic company culture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Offering you a fresh perspective that can help you tailor your internal comms strategies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":5458,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[109,173,1,56],"tags":[206,205,207],"coauthors":[191],"class_list":["post-5427","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-use-cases","category-internal-communication","category-miscellaneous","category-unkategorisiert","tag-3-circles-model","tag-internal-comms","tag-internal-comms-framework"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5427"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5427\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5459,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5427\/revisions\/5459"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5458"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5427"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/httpsblogtchopio.kinsta.cloud\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=5427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}