Holacracy: The Revolutionary Management System that Abolishes Hierarchy

by Brian J. Robertson

Lead Links and Rep Links Whenever a circle contains sub-circles, the super-circle and each sub-circle are linked via two special roles, which straddle the boundary between the connected circles, like channels across a cell’s membrane. These roles, called links, take part in the governance and operational processes of both connected circles and allow feedback and tension processing to flow across circle boundaries. The “Lead Link” is appointed by the super-circle to represent its needs in the sub-circle. A lead link holds the perspective and functions needed to align the sub-circle with the purpose, strategy, and needs of its broader context. The other link, called a “Representative Link” or “Rep Link,” is elected by the members of the sub-circle, and represents the sub-circle within its super-circle. This rep link role is quite different from anything we’re used to in a modern organization.