Course 2, Discussion 3: High Expectations and High Warmth

@MagnificentSunrise

This is really awesome Sunrise, I love your response and agree :) ♡

@FrenchToastClub

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

If I have an imbalance of expectations and warmth, the vibe of everything will be off and it just won't function well - for myself, the people under my care, or the org itself.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

If I have High Expectations, Low Warmth in the way I approach people, it will cause very fast rates of burn-out within the organization and increase stress for all involved. If I have Low Expectations, High Warmth then while it's stress-free for those directly under my care, it can cause a ripple effect. People will not do much of anything without guidance and that's not actually the kind thing to do. The members are counting on us, for one, and for two, those directly under our care won't know what they're capable of doing.

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

I think if I had an imbalance in expectations and warmth then morale, quality performance, productivity, efficiency and further would also be affected.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

1) To have too low of expectations and too little of warmth in the community wouldn't uphold a higher purpose or mission and goal objectives. There would be lack of clear directives and accountability. Additionally people might feel disregarded or unsupported in communal projects and more.

2) The impact with fellow leaders might suffer in aspects that were also addressed in 1) additionally resources may not be shared appropriately in order to create better outcomes and solutions overall

@Nvlmi

Thank you for your insights, I look forward to reading more!

@Nvlmi totally agree!

@FrenchToastClub
If a 7cups leader has an imbalance of expectations and warmth it can either be detrimental to the environment for listeners which indirectly impacts members comfort reaching out as well as success in listening to those who do feel comfortable with a listener that answers OR it can create an environment that is too warm, too friendly, with no expectations of growth/responsibility or proper culture and etiquette. Either way, the leader provides a harsh environment ill prepared for active listening. There needs to be kindness and realness to create warmth. There needs to be dedication, confidence, and motivation to create expectations. Neither of those can be communicated down the grapevine without a balance.

By chance someone is too warm and creates a harsh environment, it could cause more logical responses, possibly lazy or uncaring responses, as there is no reason for expectations to be met. If someone has too low of expectations, my work with fellow leaders will become too understanding and disrespect would be tolerated.

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

High Expectations, Low Warmth: If a 7cups leader has high expectations but lacks warmth, they may come across as cold, distant, or even judgmental. This can create a sense of unease or discomfort for the individuals seeking support, or people on the team they lead. They may feel less inclined to open up or share their struggles due to fear of being criticized or misunderstood, or they may feek unable to reach of for help if theyre stuck on something. It can hinder the formation of a safe and trusting environment, which is crucial for effective emotional support to members and leading a team, working together.

Low Expectations, High Warmth: On the other hand, if a leader is warm but has low expectations, they may provide a comforting and empathetic environment, but their ability to guide and support individuals effectively may be compromised. They may not push individuals to explore deeper issues or work towards their goals, which can result in a lack of progress or personal development. While warmth is important, striking a balance with appropriate expectations is crucial for providing meaningful support. :) ♡

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

Low expectations: Having too low of expectations within the community might result in a lack of accountability and motivation. If there are minimal standards or goals set, people/listeners may not feel challenged to grow or improve. It could lead to a community where individuals don't strive for personal development or offer effective support.

Little warmth: Insufficient warmth within the community may create a cold and unwelcoming atmosphere. People seeking support might not feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions, fearing judgment or lack of understanding. This can hinder the sense of belonging and trust, limiting engagement and the overall effectiveness of the community as a support system, and people may stop working as well together, as a team.

@TabbyCat97

I appreciate your detailed reasons why too little of one or the other lacks necessary balance. Great job! 

@FrenchToastClub

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?
I believe through an imbalance, you risk the integrity of your mission. In the case of 7Cups, high warmth, low expectations would promote a culture with lower rates of burnout and more support however we would lack the drive and goals to achieve the mission. As a leader, having high expectations and a low amount of warmth would likely lead to higher burnout as there would be less support and comradery whilst still expecting a high level of attainment.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?
In the community, I believe having an imbalance would lead to a poorer outcome for the members we serve here. We need the warmth to cultivate the culture we aim to achieve at 7Cups and also the expectations to drive us to achieve the highest levels of care. As for fellow leaders, we need that high level of warmth to facilitate people in reaching out for help when needed and feeling supported whilst the high expectation is necessary to ensure everyone is orientated on improvement of the community as well as working synchronously as a team.

@charmingEagle47

That's insightful eagle !! All da best for the journey!

@charmingEagle47 Awesome examples! :DD

@charmingEagle47 absolutely, loved your point about achieving the highest levels of care possible while also taking care of yourself

@FrenchToastClub

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

If I have an imbalance of expectation and warmth then I wouldn't be very supportive, understanding, or deligating responsibilities correctly. I would either be taking on the work or someone else would be taking on all the work. There would not be any proper communication through the team, and people would lack in their roles if they didn't have someone to back them up and support them.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

Without expectations or warmth, the communities morale would drop significantly. People wouldn't care anymore and would abandon roles and projects and things would probably end up not running.

@Jenna

These answers seem to perfectly state the ramifications of expectations that are too low and the lack of warmth. Thank you for stating this so clearly.

@Jenna Great answer!

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

@Rivelino3

I agree with what you say about "balance is key". This is so true, having the balance between these two would benefit a company's morale, work ethic, etc.

@FrenchToastClub

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

I suppose some may prefer high expectations and low warmth. That feels sorrowful to me putting not only this person, but all those who might work together or act together. High expectations and high warmth seems the most productive in normal day-to-day living.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

While High and High might seem out of balance No Ying but Plenty of Yang. Low expectations seems that the mindset might foster a lack of personal growth and too little warmth would seem too mechanistic. I do not want to live there in that environment.

✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!

@CharlieDont37

I find it interesting how you compare it to yin and yang. I agree that personal growth cannot thrive without both warmth and expectations

@Mahad2804 That's quite insightful. Love your answer!

What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

As a leader, we should maintain a balance of expectations we have for our team while also creating a "warm" environment. If we have a higher expectation but just barking orders at our teams, with no encouragement, this is going to discourage those on the team from pursuing higher leadership positions in the team or from even wanting to be on the team itself.

How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

The Community:

If we have little warmth, the community as a whole will suffer. We should be the biggest cheerleaders for our peers and our teams. When we are not, it's easy for people to become very discouraged and they may, ultimately, decide to leave Cups... This would of course impact the community because we would lose an amazing Listener!

Having low expectations for the community as a whole isn't great because we would not be encouraging anyone to grow into leadership positions or anything higher than the "listener" role.

Fellow Leaders:

Other leaders need encouragement just as much as anyone else on the team. They often have a lot of responsibility and it doesn't take a second to send a message of appreciation! When we don't, this can make our leaders feel like they are not appreciated and they may start to become less interested in the role itself.

@beck1 that's such a well rounded answer!

Your experience and knowledge really shows in your answers.

Thanks for sharing this with us!

@FrenchToastClub

What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

Having been in a company where my leaders would project warmth without actually having it while not clearly communicating expectations, I have firsthand seen the disastrous results that ensure. Having that imbalance here on 7 cups would be very damaging in part due to the nature of 7 cups. A lack of warmth would discourage others on my team, degrade their self-confidence, and make tasks seem like chores due to 7 Cups' voluntary nature. A lack of expectations would negatively impact the support community, result in poor listener quality, and turn away those who turned to 7 cups at a time of need.

This would always impact my work with fellow leaders, as it would be difficult to function as a team (low warmth) and to truly feel comfortable sharing feedback (low expectations).

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

It is critical to strike a balance between expectations and warmth. If there is an imbalance, the team will not be able to do as much as it is capable of, and a lack of warmth will create an uneasy environment, affecting job quality. Moreover, team members will not feel comfortable approaching each other or their leader if they require assistance.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

@RosaHere

I love your answer! 💜

@FrenchToastClub Thank you for your post!

What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

It reflects on the community. It damages productivity and trust

How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

Workplaces with high expectations but little warmth tend to be driven, rule-focused, and risk-averse. However, personal and professional growth is limited for the employees. On the other hand, workplaces with warmth and positivity, but low expectations, struggle to get work done efficiently and stay focused. Employees may feel happy and appreciated, but the effectiveness of their work may suffer.

@FrenchToastClub

If I have high expectations & low warmth: The team members feel constricted with tasks and deadlines They feel that their feelings are neglected Burning out, being stressed, overwhelmed, health complications If I have low expectations & high warmth: People will feel welcomed, but they might not focus on their tasks They will become too comfortable

@FrenchToastClub

1. Imbalance of expectations and warmth could lead to

• Less productivity
• Unfriendly environment
• Less efficient
• Stress and burnouts
• Dissatisfaction

2. It could affect the

• Community by producing less efficient results and might hamper its growth.
• Teammates by leading to either stressful or unsatisfactory work environment.

@FrenchToastClubWhat do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

@FrenchToastClub

another amazing post to think about!

1. I think having an imbalance of expectations and warmth can cause a variety of issues we want to make sure that as a leader, we are in providing a warm and welcoming place for people to share what’s on their mind if we don’t, that can lead to trust issues, but it can also lead others to thinking that you’re unprofessional, which makes them think that you’re not going to be a good fit for them or are you makes others be leery of your leader ship skills because if you’re not creating that space in which they feel safe they may question your ability to take charge and be a leader. Having high expectations is also important for both of you as the leader and for members that use the site as well having low expectations for yourself might portray that you’re not going to have the effective leadership skills, it also can portray that you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, you’re making it a chore not something that you’re doing with your heart.
2. having low warmth, can have an impact on the community. If you come into work, or a volunteer experience, and you look unprofessional, look very bored and miserable, and you do not greet people or have a smile on your face that affects the general public. Good leaders portray smiles, they introduce themselves and be a familiar face having low expectations for yourself can do the same thing, if you go into work and you say that you’re gonna do the bare minimum chances are you’re not going to be in affective leader that day however, if you go into work with the list of task and you complete them that shows that you are resilient and a fantastic leader. If you have low warmth or expectations for yourself, it can also affect your coworkers or fellow leaders. If you go into an opportunity with low energy, you look very miserable and don’t have a smile on your face then your leaders aren’t going to want to ask you for help or want you to contribute your ideas. if you have low expectations for yourself, that can be very upsetting to coworkers or leaders because they trust you and they want your help with things and if you go and only caring about yourself and only expecting to do tasks the way that you want them done they are not going to want to ask for your assistance

@Artalistens What a beautiful answer! It's fun to read

@FrenchToast

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

An imbalance of expectations and warmth can result in reduced efficiency and productivity due to the lack of emotional support or the lack of professional support.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

Having too low of expectations would result in a community that accepts any behavior and any mindset, regardless of how it impacts others (eg. allowing people to not do their fair share as long as they have an excuse for it). It would also impact how you work with fellow leaders because it would pull away focus from things that need to be accomplished and reduce the productivity. Having too little warmth would result in a community that invalidates others' emotions and struggles, and lacks compassion and understanding. This would impact how you work with fellow leaders because it would result in burnout and an unhealthy work environment.

@lovelyApple6441

In this case, people would be demotivated to join in cups and it would be only left with limited members. Also the remaining member may not fully benefit from the support available.

@FrenchToast

✒️ What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?
I suppose that having imbalance expectations and warmth here in cups may result in minimal or excessive empathy, compassion and support that one deserves. However, the sessions may lack proper directions.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?
1) Impact on the community
The community having too low expectations, or too little warmth can be demotivating, and environment wouldn't feel welcoming discouraging members to open up.

2) Impact on how you work with your fellow leaders
Leaders won't be able to bring in creativity or be productive while working with others. Uncooperative environments and trust issues would be built among the leaders.

In my opinion, if I don't have a balance between high expectations and warmth, what will happen is this: a. If I don't have high views, my team will have nowhere to aspire. B. If I'm not warm, my team will feel unappreciated, unhelpful, etc. Low expectancies will affect the community in that they will have nowhere to aspire and then the level will inevitably drop. This can make people shrink their heads and try to work as little as possible. Too little heat causes burnout. And makes the people I'm with not want to work with me or makes them feel like slaves.

@FrenchToast

What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

A leader is a person with responsibility and someone who people look upto . So if a leader who is unable to create a balance between expectations and warmth will not only a low productivity in the community but weak bonding structure.

✒️ How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

1) Low expectations brings low productivity , complacency, low efforts and little warmth brings less motivation, self development.

2) I think we leaders are like a bouquet of flowers so if one of us fails to create an imbalance in the expectations and warmth might look like a dead flowers and the whole bouquet will lose its beauty and color.

✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!

@ Frenchtoast

Amazing and informative post.

@LoveMyMoonflowers

Hi, Moon. I want to quote the last sentence because it is true. We are all here for getting support and offering support for one another.

"I think if the community lacked warmth, as an emotional support platform, we would not be providing true emotional support."