---
title: The 7 principles
description: Your Greatest ally
---

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# The 7 principles

## Your Greatest ally

**![The Circle-14-1](https://faq.mentell.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/The%20Circle-14-1.jpg?width=688&height=688&name=The%20Circle-14-1.jpg)**

**Length: 3 mins**

**Format: Video** 

 

[![The 7 Principles](https://cdn.vidyard.com/thumbnails/37782158/d80cNFD4TF3bBdFtnDG-uw_play_button_small.jpg)](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/5h4FYCsQHewvZZy9BSd8oW?)

 

[The 7 Principles](https://share.vidyard.com/watch/5h4FYCsQHewvZZy9BSd8oW?)

Mentell was founded on 7 principles that, when mixed, produce a powerful environment for members to explore deeply sensitive topics without the danger of group conflict or re-traumatization. When a circle goes sideways (not to plan), without fail, your mentor will highlight which principle was not upheld and the impact that had on the circle experience. 

It's the role of the facilitator team to uphold the principles where possible; sometimes, this can be difficult given the fact that Mentell circles hold an open share format (members can question), unlike most other men's groups that operate closed shares (only facilitators can question). 

With the best will in the world, it is almost impossible to uphold a circle for the full duration without another member accidentally interpreting (Respect), suggesting a solution (Advice) or coming to a conclusion on someone else's behalf (Judgement). The role of the lead facilitator is to spot this happening in real-time and sensitively steer the share back into a place that adheres to the group agreements ([The 7 Principles)](https://www.mentell.org.uk/learn/the-7-principles). Your role as a shadow is not to police the 7 principles but to understand how they work and interplay within a circle -  your mentor might question you now and again to check your understanding at the end of a circle. 

[**Click here to view the 7 principles**](https://www.mentell.org.uk/learn/the-7-principles)

 

**Next Steps:** Embody [the 7 principles](https://www.mentell.org.uk/learn/the-7-principles)in circle, 'walk the talk' in circle

 

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