Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #1) Welcome to Course 2!
Please note: In order to successfully complete Course 2, you must respond to this post. Your comment/response should answer the questions/shows that you completed the given activity (if any). Read the post carefully and follow the instructions given. Save your responses to a document that you can later refer to. You will need to copy/paste your response in the course evaluation form at the end of each course to show that you have done the work and to refresh your memory.
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Congrats! You made it the second course in the LDP! In this course, we focus on the specific interpersonal skills needed to be a strong leader on 7 Cups, including mastery of communication skills, time management, conflict resolution, stress management and empowering new leaders.
I know if you are here, you have read our values and culture guide. I would like to start off by further emphasizing one value that's required for a leader to be successful here, and that is balancing High Expectations & High Warmth.
Work environments with high expectations and minimal warmth tend to result in companies that are very driven, rule-oriented and risk-averse. The people do not tend to grow as much personally or professionally. On the other hand, workplaces that are high in warmth, but have minimal expectations, tend to struggle. Everyone is happy and feels loved, but not a lot of effective or focused work gets done.
7 Cups is high expectations AND high warmth. We expect a lot from you. You might feel like we think you are more capable than other people have suggested or maybe even more capable than how you see yourself. That is okay. Every person on the team has outperformed and done better than they expected. This is largely because warmth, patience, and trust help people make much more progress than they have in other environments. We have high expectations, but we will provide plenty of encouragement and guidance to help you get there.
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Question: What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth? 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?
Activity: Please reply to 3 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
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@Heather225
I think, as a 7 Cups leader experiencing low expectations wouldnt have full potential to allocate which might make group disorganised, and feel less supported. But also I wont be trusted or wont be responsibile enough for rest of leaders which might be a negative meanwhile impact my leadership quality.
I think, as a 7 Cups leader experiencing low warmth would have lack of sensation of working in teamwork with leaders here which might make them feel im not enthuastic about this project or my task. Might get disconnected from communication and socially absense for members and leader which might create impact in community for making works and works which have been assigned.
@iStarlight
You made some really great points! It's nice to have a fresh perspective on these kinds of issues!
@Heather225
What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of these?
As a leader, if I have an imbalance of these, it will cause those I’m to guide collapse. Just like a pyramid.
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?
Community: the low expectations might be spread on to others and then they spread on to others that they come into contact with possibly resulting in a corruption of moral integrity throughout the community.
Fellow leaders: It may lead to unforeseeable conflicts with the fellow leaders of the community.
@Immakindlistener22
I really like how you address community impact with these issues, as "word of mouth" can have impact, as well as potential conflict with other leaders. Great perspective!
@FrenchMarbles
I really like the points you brought up about community being at unease, lack of trust and approachability!
As a 7cup leader
An imbalance of expectations will result in
1.Not being seen as reliable from fellow leaders
2.Not being interested in any community discussion or work
3.I won’t be able to understand or relate well with other listeners
@eternalCloud4864
I wholeheartedly agree with the points you make, especially reliability ¬ being able to relate to other listeners. Great points!
@Heather225
I do not have a team yet, but if i was not feeling up to working that day. I would ensure that they know and someone would assist me that day
@starryCandy6123
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
@Heather225
Question: What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth? 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?
I think imbalance of expectations and warmth, for a 7 Cups leader, can lead to not being an effective leader. Having too low of expectations or too little warmth could impact the community by believing leaders don't really care of issues brought forth in the community (1). As well, having low expectations & too little warmth can impede work with fellow leaders in that, impacts working collaboratively with fellow leaders (2).
@Heather225
Question: What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth? 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.) Little warmth can lead to members feeling like Listeners don't actually care and may lead to some feeling like we talk very robotically. This would make us less approachable, and
2.) Low expectations can lead to Listeners to become complacent, and not continue to improve their skills. No warmth would also impede communications, likely leading to more communication issues.
@Heather225
Low expectations or little warmth- will impact
Impact on community: lawless, volatile, ungrounded, unstable, unstructured, unreliable, inconsistent, stagnant- these traits given to the community can cause members and others to feel neglected or unheard. Each member needs a voice and guidelines to maintain safety.
Impact on fellow leaders: inefficient, not working together, lazy or uncaring, careless, complacent, negligent
2) Impact of low warmth
General qualities: too strict, harsh feedback or harsh rule reminding, unforgiving, impatient when members take long to respond or to get your point, too stern- We need t remain respectful and if we are harsh or "too bossy or unforgiving" how can we help others or even forgive ourselves? Members and co leaders might take us as a know it all or too stern with rules and we need to be flexible at times.
Impact on fellow leaders: burnt out, exhausted, stressed, unappreciated or feel like they do too much and not given the respect back- Self care is number one when it comes to 7cups and if we feel stress, exhausted, or if a member feels this way, we need to navigate ourselves and them to self care and take that time needed to find ourselves and build back who we are