Course 3, Discussion 1: Service Leadership at 7 Cups
The term Service leadership (based on the philosophy of servant leadership, in which the main goal of the leader is to serve). Sometimes leaders or community members who help with projects receive high praise for their efforts (and they all deserve it) but this is never to take away or undermine the contributions of listeners who fly a little bit more under the radar. How one chooses to spend their volunteer time on 7 Cups is up to them & we love you all the same!
We've long said that if you want to be a mentor, be a mentor, eventually you'll get a badge. These service leadership roles are incredibly important to the functionality of our community. The individuals in these posts do an excellent job helping to keep our community safe and positive. I am very thankful for them.
Service leadership is simply about where you plan to spend your time. To those of you out there who focus 100% on member chats, we LOVE YOU! To those of you out there who focus on community programs, we LOVE YOU TOO! All of these contributions are equally valuable and important. As a collective community, our aim is to honor your contributions, no matter where or how they manifest.
In this vein, my hope is that you will remember 3 key things:
1. Self-care - always! Make sure self-care is baked into your volunteer work here
2. Don't take on more than you are able. If you don't have the bandwidth to do something, you owe it to yourself and the community to say no. It is 100% okay to say no. (And if you are asking someone to help you with a project, please do not get upset if someone has to say no.)
3. Remember that 7 Cups is an ecosystem. Every single contribution matters!
If you'd like to be in a service leadership role, my advice would be:
1. Pay attention to how others are contributing
2. Figure out what gets you excited in the community!
3. Once you have an idea of what gets you excited, dive in! You dont need to have a mentor badge to help out, get involved & start learning.
4. If you're not sure how to get involved, you can chat with a mentor or sign up for listener coaching.
5. Once you feel comfortable with your area of attention, apply for the appropriate mentor track.
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
❗After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here!
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I agree with it and I've always thought about leadership that way.
We're all equals, no matter who we are or what position we hold.
The individuals that have taken on leadership roles are persons who have
dedicated themselves to certain responsibilities and tasks that they hold.
But we are in the end all listeners who are dedicated to make a positive change.
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Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
For example when you go to the forums and there are posts that ask about
views from listeners and even members on new updates and features.
That's a good example of service leadership!
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@AnnaSilverberg
Couldnt agree more! :D
@FrenchToastClub
Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
There are so many great examples here on 7cups! This ranges from moderators on the forums to group chat leaders. Each of these roles provides quality within out 7cups ecosystem and ensures the site runs as it should- excellently. I love this idea that leaders answer to the consumers as it is these individuals the site was designed for! :D
@charmingEagle47
I completely agree with you. All roles here really benefit our ecosystem.
@FrenchToastClub
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
I am ambivalent about 'Service Leadership'. Not the concept The concept is intriguing. It is almost as if the Service Leadership is a 'Bohdisavtta' - a being enlightened but not leaving until the last Sentient Being's Light has turned on. In my work experience, I have seen those leaders with the most professed Religious beliefs be anything but and most duplicitous. Sad, that. A 'Service Leader' serves selflessly 'period'.
I cannot list an example of Service Leadership that I have seen on 7 Cups. I am a member and have not engaged with a Listener.
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
@CharlieDont37 I'm sorry you haven't come across someone that you think is worthy of that title.
I can tell you from my experience, there are a lot of very amazing people here on Cups and I truly wish you get to meet some in your time here.
@Mahad2804
Oh, gosh. I am so sorry. I did not mean to denigrate anyone here. My deep apologies to any and all who might feel offended and or hurt by my ill-formed statement. Almost all the posts I see on the forums are full of understanding and compassion - very impressive.
I meant, as a Member - I have not engaged with 'Leaders' so could not name one or more. But then, ha, ha... perhaps I did not notice whether I read a fellow Member's or a Leader's post.
Again, my most sincere apology to all. And hope that by reframing my response, I have not made things worse - there is always that...
@CharlieDont37 oh no no no, that was definitely not my intention, I absolutely do not mean to tell you how to feel or that your feelings are invalid.
I was just saying that I really hope you get to experience some of these great people firsthand and maybe that might give you a new outlook on this matter.
I only say this because this community has definitely made my life change for the better and I just wish everyone else gets that opportunity as well.
I sincerely did not mean to say your opinion is wrong, I was just telling you an experience that I have cherished and I wish you get that too someday so you can decide for yourself if they are as good as I say.
Please forgive me as well if I came across as defensive or aggressive, really was not my intention
@FrenchToastClub
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
The concept of service leadership aligns perfectly with the 7 Cups community as we exist to provide assistance. Our aim is to support others in need, and this responsibility extends beyond simply being a leader. As mentors or project leaders, we have a duty to aid, encourage and steer those who require our guidance.
Example: I believe that Chat Support plays a significant role in providing service to listeners. Their primary objective is to assist members through one-on-one chats, guiding and supporting them as needed.
@Jenna I agree, Jenna! 7 Cups has many examples of servant leadership. Good answer! <3
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups ?
I believe the essence and ethos of servant leadership is holistic and sustainable over a longer period in different projects, more so than other styles of leaderships which don't neccearily work on serving the common good or taking am active interest in improving quality of life and work experience of members of the team , to allow them to function effectively and efficiently
Countless examples here on 7 cups by many listeners and members that actively take part in community work or just give their time to help listen.
@FrenchToastClub
Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
Service leadership is the idea of serving in leadership positions to improve the community and serve members of the community. It is the antithesis of serving in a leadership position for personal gain. I have seen certain 7 cups leaders who are very committed to their communities. Although they may not have all of the skills of a good leader and manager, it is evident that they care deeply about the community.
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
As the name suggests, service leadership refers to leading to serve. A service leader prioritizes other people. They are empathic, self-aware, compassionate, hard-working, and enthusiastic. They use their skills and qualities to benefit others.
Example: There are many examples here such as Room Supporters, who provide support to chatrooms by maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment. They also provide emotional support to Members in Support Rooms and help Listeners in Listener Chatrooms.
@FrenchToastClub Thank you for your post!
What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
Service leadership is where the goal of the leader is to serve. I think that's a wonderful goal honestly, as we are here to support members and listeners <3
One example of service leadership is Room Supporters. They help with the communities and help members to feel better
@FrenchToastClubQuestion: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
I love the idea of service leadership. I think this is the best way to move forward. Every good community thrives through the service of others.