Let’s catch some tea with Jili!

Interviewer: @amazingNutella24

Interviewee: @Jili

Nutella: First and foremost, you’ve been a great inspiration to me on my journey here! But what is it that inspired you to take on leadership positions on 7Cups? 💜

Jili: I am extremely glad that I am an inspiration for your 7 Cups journey!

When I first began my listening journey on 7 Cups, I met a lot of listeners and leaders who supported me and taught me a lot of important lessons. After being helped by so many awesome individuals, I wanted to pay forward the kindness and assistance that I received.

We all rise by lifting others and thank you nutella for lifting others as well with the projects that you work on. I encourage everyone in the 7Cups community to be a great inspiration to others because even a small act can make a huge difference.

Nutella: As someone who works with multiple teams, I’ve always wondered about this and you’d be the perfect person to answer this 💜 How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts, obstacles and stagnancy?

Jili: All teams experience conflicts, obstacles and stagnancy. How we resolve the conflicts, obstacles and stagnancy that come in the way make a huge difference on the overall team dynamic. As a part of a team, team members work extremely hard toward achieving the objectives of the team. However, it is important to note that not everything will go according to plan. Therefore, team leaders must be active in listening and seeing the issues that are occurring in the team. When mistakes occur, the team leaders must also offer opportunities for the team to realize the mistakes that it is making and the opportunities to learn from those mistakes as well.

Nutella: “Leadership is an action, not a position” - How do you think this is a very important mantra for all leaders? 💜

Jili: Leadership, in essence, is about empowering, coaching, and assisting the team members that you work with. For a team to have a healthy dynamic, leaders must not act like they are above any impunity. Project leaders are supporters of the projects that they work on. Without the community at large, there is no project. Without a project, there is no leader.

Nutella: According to you, what are some leadership qualities that are must-have for every leader? 💜

Jili:

Nutella: They say that the art of communication is the language of leadership. What are your thoughts on this and how do you ensure effective communication within your team? 💜

Jili: To be a great leader who communicates well, one must be able to listen well. Listening, when done properly, is an act that allows the listener to gain a clear understanding of where the other person is coming from. When we are able to listen well, we will be able to communicate well. To ensure effective communication within my team, I always let the team members know that they are encouraged to seek support from the rest of the team when they run into issues and they are also encouraged to openly communicate with each other because that is what the team is there for.

Nutella: And with that, here’s my last question 💜 What do you enjoy the most about being a leader here on 7Cups?

Jili: As a leader on 7 Cups, I enjoy seeing the crucial impact that different teams have on the community members. I also enjoy seeing how the community evolves through different initiatives from different teams.

This interview is part of the Living with Leaders Interview Series. Learn about the series here