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!
🔉This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program, find information on it here tinyurl.com/AcademyLDP
@FrenchToast
✒️ 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 guess that in a way we all work to serve, and it can be considered an act of loyalty to others and yourself too. It also can mean that we are all equal and that leadership should be about benefiting more than just yourself
@FrenchToast
🖋️ Service leadership is like being a conductor of positivity. It's not just about leading; it's about orchestrating a symphony of support and kindness.
🖋️ On 7 Cups, I've seen service leadership shine through the quiet power of those who make the community feel like a cozy, virtual home. They're the architects of a warm and welcoming space.
Your uniqueness adds vibrant colors to this canvas of service. Keep being the creative sparks that make 7 Cups a brighter place! 🌟
@WeEarth I really love this response 🌟
@FrenchToast
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 "in which the goal of the leader is to serve". And I think it's an incredibly important aspect of 7 Cups.
I think every listener here is an example of service leadership on 7 Cups. We all sit and give our time to listen to members, because we want to serve them and help them. We want to make a difference, one chat at a time.
@Shannon1996
Well put! I agree, sincere listeners on 7Cups are great examples of service leadership :)
@ABrightBlueHeart i also agree with you
@FrenchToast
✒️ 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 one of the most essential but often overlooked approaches to leadership. We often equate leadership to the typical 'hero leadership', where a single person brings about a large-scale transformation. This largely unrealistic image often makes leadership feel inaccessible to most people out there.
Service leadership, on the other hand, is empowering. It simplifies being a leader and makes it far more achievable. And sure, maybe our actions won't be made into ballads or poems, but that was never the purpose anyway. The purpose of leadership is to make positive things happen, to trigger growth (both in self and others), and watch with immense satisfaction as the seeds we sow blossom into beautiful flowers :)
@ABrightBlueHeart
Example of service leadership here on 7Cups: the mentors. They put in so much effort to ensure the trainees stay on track!
@ABrightBlueHeart
Your answer is very elaborative and analytical. I like how you have diverse perspectives on these points! Keep the amazing work up! 😊💖
~ Xaverie
@FrenchToast
i love the idea of service leadership. For me, service leadership is about using my gifts and talents to bring me joy and be of service just like I read in a comment earlier. I also believe that service leadership should be for fun and for free.
@frenchtoast
oops I hit return too soon. I believe that the chatroom mentors, peer supporters, forum supporters, etc…. All exhibit service leadership. Service is the heartbeat of being in a leadership role here at 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?
For me service leadership is all about bringing out your time to offer a particular service that will make the world a better place.
One example is being a learner here at 7 cups. It's not easy at all. Shout out to all listeners, you guys are doing a great job!
@FrenchToast
✒️ 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 think the idea of service leadership is fantastic! It's all about leading by serving others and putting their needs first. It's a powerful approach that focuses on making a positive impact and creating meaningful change in people's lives.
Let me share an inspiring example of service leadership from 7 Cups! We have these amazing individuals called Room Supporters. These are dedicated volunteers who generously contribute their time and energy to create safe and supportive spaces within specific chat rooms.
These Room Supporters go the extra mile to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, understood, and supported. They actively engage in conversations, offering a listening ear and providing guidance when needed. What sets them apart is their genuine care and compassion for the well-being of the members they interact with.
They create a sense of community and belonging, making sure that everyone's voice is heard and respected. Their selfless dedication and service-oriented mindset truly make a difference in the lives of those seeking support on 7 Cups.
By being a listener, I am able to conclude that service leadership is not just a concept but a reality on this platform, thanks to the incredible Room Supporters who embody the spirit of serving others and making a positive impact. 😊💖✨
✒️Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
Done! 🌸
~ Xaverie
@FrenchToast
Service leadership is where the goal of the leader is to serve. An example seen on 7Cups, are leaders which serve the subcommunity for example forum supporters and room supporters. They have the goal of serving the sub community. I like the idea of the leaders dedication to growth and putting the needs of their team members first.
@Rosey16
I like how you have mentioned & acknowledged the sub-communities, that many service leaders contribute to!
@FrenchToast
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 love the idea of service leadership! By spending time where one feels excited to contribute/support the community, is great benefit for everyone!
Where I have seen service leadership presented have been with presence of Room Supporters & Chat Room Supporters in various rooms. Their presence they provide have been so positive, supportive and empathetic to everyone in the rooms. They are amongst the many "heroes" of the community!
@CaringSub
It's so amazing that you're a part of our community, I'm so glad to have you here
@FrenchToast
✒️ 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 when a leader puts other people before themselves when leading. This is hugely beneficial for a community, however it can be detrimental for the leaders mental health. A good example of service leadership at 7Cups would be room supporters and forum leaders
@Soul576 fantastic idea