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Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #1) Welcome to Course 2!

Heather225 August 6th, 2020

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!

After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here! You must take part in the brainstorming/activities given in all of these posts to successfully complete the program.


This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here.

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goldenFriend9335 February 2nd, 2021

@Heather225

Low expectations leads to under performance and low warmth leads to hurt feelings and lack of empathy. Loww expectations with high warmth, will not drive people to get better. While low warmth high expectations, will lead to people giving up

Fergie12299 February 5th, 2021

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

If I have an imbalance of these then I am not performing to the best of my abilities. It is not fair to me, my fellow listeners, leaders or members. If there is an imbalance of these then I need to work on them and find the even balance so I can be the best me I can be

How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth will impact the community?

Having either low expectations or low warmth can only negatively impact the community. We all have tones of support, help and information here so that we can perform highly as leaders so we should thrive with such a solid foundation around us.

Impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

We should all by now know what is expected of us here at 7cups. We should all expect the same from one another which is High Expectations & High Warmth. If I am lacking in one of these then I will not be on the same page as my fellow leaders which benefits no one. We are all here because we want the same thing and we should be constantly working to improve ourselves and to find that perfect balance

1 reply
kindLemonade April 6th, 2021

@Fergie12299

I love your answer, what you wrote remind me to strive and develop myself better and be "the best me" like you said!

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sunlightspirit February 5th, 2021

What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of these? 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 co-founder of Apple computers, Steve Jobs, was a leader who set very high expectations and demanded that everyone working with him gave 110%, however many of his employees complained of his harsh tone and explosive outbursts. They lived in fear of their leader. Jobs himself said, "Congratulate my team for simply meeting expectations? I have little respect for mediocre work and no time for warm fuzzies." this imbalance caused a huge rippling affect within the organization…production costs increased, productivity decreased, and Jobs was voted off his own organization by the board, crippling the company for many years.

Too Low expectation or too little warmth impacts:

The community:

With Steve Jobs gone, the expectations of the those working within Apple went way down and morale was non-existent and the company was losing so much money that many people were laid off. When a large company begins laying off thousands of people living within the community, the ripple affect continues. Now those workers have no income and many have to move or lose their homes. Other businesses are impacted financially as the community population size dwindles and on and on.

My impact of how I work with a leader that has low expectations or little warmth:

I like to rise above the level of expectations and give 110%, but if my leader show ambivalence to details and quality of work then I find it difficult to know what to rise up to and without praise and encouragement by each other we create an entire culture based on frustration and an uncaring attitude for each other.

Fortunately for Apple, Steve Jobs was asked back (who by the way was very humbled while away) and Jobs learned to balance his high expectations with warmth, making Apple a success again.

1 reply
warmLove3625 February 11th, 2021

@sunlightspirit

You offered a very detailed explaination and I very much appreciated that. I think you offered us a great explaination of the impact on the individuals and community as a whole. I thought your exapmples with Jobs was very intriguing and caught my eye in your response. The direct example made it easy to integrate.

Good luck on your LDP journey!

generousBreeze169 February 15th, 2021

@sunlightspirit

I really liked the way you put it!! And I agree too

YouWillBeFine31 February 24th, 2021

@sunlightspirit

Thanks for sharing the exemplar to great leaderships - it is very important to remember in addition to great skill-sets and extraordinary accomplishments, there are important traits to possess\develop in order to be leaders- empathy and kindness.

if one is not humane, one is not going to go too far.

wonderfulKermitKaTy March 1st, 2021

@sunlightspirit You made a great point and how success can be achived with great balance with warmth and expectaion. Thanks for the great explanation.

AdylynS March 19th, 2021

@sunlightspirit

Such a detailed response! Good Job!

blindHeart12 March 31st, 2021

@sunlightspirit

The way you connect with the example of steve it really impressive and easy to understand.

UnicornsCottonCandy April 1st, 2021

@sunlightspirit

UnicornsCottonCandy April 1st, 2021

@sunlightspirit

I love how you based your explanation to the question by making reference to the work spirit of Steve Jobs, a CEO which I also admire. Generally, I strongly agree with your words! Great job!

UnicornsCottonCandy April 1st, 2021

@sunlightspirit

I love how you based your explanation to the question by making reference to the work spirit of Steve Jobs, a CEO which I also admire. Generally, I strongly agree with your words! Great job!

herealways27 April 6th, 2021

@sunlightspirit

Thank you for pointing out a specific example with Apple! It's good to know that these things actually play out in our lives in order to avoid instead of just theory only.

Ahmed April 8th, 2021

@sunlightspirit

your answer is very concise and show a great example. Thank you for such great answer and good luck wih the rest of the program ^^

Prachi9876 September 6th, 2021

@sunlightspirit

Very great observation and relatable examples

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warmLove3625 February 11th, 2021

@Heather225

As a 7Cups Leader, it is important to balance expectations and warmth. Having an imbalance as a Leader with too low expectations or too little warmth would impact the:

1) The Community as a whole as low motivational drive will lead to poor standards (subpar to the culture and values of 7Cups). The outcomes would be inconsistent and that would be unfair to everyone in the community - from lsiteners to members and everyone in betweeen. I, (as a Leader exemplifying these qualities) wouldnt be viewed as accountable or reiable by my peers if there is an imbalance.

2) The Impact that can be made on fellow Listeners and Leaders. There would be more misunderstandings and less team work with our fellow leaders. Less trust effects teamwork, and poor teamwork creates more conflicts - this is the opposite goal to the 7Cups Culture. By not being high in warmth and expectations, one could feel this position is more of a burden than a reward, and that too could be damaging to the impact made.

1 reply
generousBreeze169 February 15th, 2021

@warmLove3625

I totally agree with what you said! You put it all and this is why team work with balance is the most productive and supportive work

wonderfulKermitKaTy March 1st, 2021

@warmLove3625 yes you made a great point working in a community will be successfull if all the members are able to manage to balance between warmth and expectation.

blindHeart12 March 31st, 2021

@warmLove3625

Low motivational drive agree totally and it very important point in making people work. I totally forgot this important point while answering.

UnicornsCottonCandy April 1st, 2021

@warmLove3625

I really agree what you said about the impact of having low expectations and low warmth to the community as a whole. Yes, there will be more misunderstandings which will lead to less trust and inefficient teamwork, damaging the 7 Cups culture. Thank you for the great comment!

Ahmed April 8th, 2021

@warmLove3625

I agree with you and I liked that you shed light on the leaders leading by example and image and I think this is an important quality we need to keep in mind in any leadership role. Applause to you ^^

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generousBreeze169 February 15th, 2021


What would happen if I have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?

If I have low expectations then I'll not have a future vision on what I can to achieve or what I to become, I'll be moving without a goal. Meanwhile, if I have low warmth then I won't be nice, caring or even have connection with others around me which will lead to not having good relationships with people.

Impact on community:

If there are no high expectations then the whole community will be unstable, lawless and will finally shatter, there would be no community like 7 cups because our high expectations got this community where it is today. Members will find no trust or any progress at all so they won't try seeking help from 7 cups.

Meanwhile, if there too little warmth then we won't be able to give anything, communities are built on compassion, empathy, concern and love to others so there would be no understanding between people in the community and maybe it will end up turning into a competitive war zone instead of a supportive community. 7 cups would have absolutely no meaning or reason to exist as it's first aim is to give support to members.

Impact on fellow leaders:

If there are low expectations, then i won't be a reliable person, I won't be too effective or productive. I won't be trusted by my team mates on doing the best job I could so I could feel isolated as no one would see that I care or that I'm absolutely aimless which would effect the whole team's progress.

If there's low warmth, then there would be no connection, care, kindness or understanding towards each other, we would feel like everyone should do their part and that's it, we would feel like we're forced to work together or we don't care at all if we work together or not as long as the work is done, we won't end up growing on a personal level nor getting affected by each other's good traits.

2 replies
windSpirit March 1st, 2021

@generousBreeze169 Well said. Less caring and badly connected with people would indeed ruin relationships with them if there is a low warmth.

Sunisshiningandsoareyou March 5th, 2021

@generousBreeze169

Welll thought of responses, Breeze ! Definitely agree and relates with what you've mentioned .

Best wishes for your journey ♥️

blindHeart12 March 31st, 2021

@generousBreeze169

There would be no future goal. Bang on!

Unstable team definitely yes.

UnicornsCottonCandy April 1st, 2021

@generousBreeze169

I also think having low expectations will eventually lead to lack of efficiency and productivity. You've really organized your response well! It was nice reading about it.

Ahmed April 8th, 2021

@generousBreeze169

1 reply
Ahmed April 8th, 2021

I find your response very clear and full of insights. wish you the best with your leadership journey ^^

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considerateParadise6717 February 16th, 2021

@Heather225

I think low expectations but high warmth may mean you don't push yourself enough to benifit you, the comunity and other leaders. This may also result in low profetionalism however may make other members like to chat to you becauase you are a nice person and you seem like a nice person to be with. As you get higher up with your roles, this style may not work as well.

Low warmth and high expectations is not good, it may make you feel bad as a person which will result in others around you feeling bad. You as a 7cups leader repesents 7cups and having low warmth doesn't give the site a good first impression.

Thanks, looking forward to the next discussion.

1 reply
windSpirit March 1st, 2021

@considerateParadise6717 I totally agree with you. Thank you, I see now a little bit more.

Chloe563 March 15th, 2021

@considerateParadise6717

I definitely agree. I like the part you mentioned about our feelings reflecting onto other people. Well done!! 😊

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Jili February 28th, 2021

To have a thriving environment, it’s important to have a balance of expectations and warmth. If there is an imbalance of expectations and warmth, I would be an ineffective leader for the community at large. Too little expectations may reduce the quality of work from community leaders and may also lead to a lot of misunderstanding in the community. Too little warmth may reduce other’s eagerness in working on a community project. Therefore, intended teamwork with other community leaders may not be possible.

1 reply
windSpirit March 1st, 2021

@competentParadise6344 You said it well. Especially about too little warmth reducing others eagerness in working on community project.

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windSpirit March 1st, 2021

What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth?
With low expectations I would never be motivated to perform my best. With low warmth I would have a struggle to go over in the difficulties of process of being a leader.

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.) Community would be drifted and slowly progress to its end. Less focused on resolving its own problems and less effective in performing its mission overall. More passive and withdrawn in itself. Not much in helping others.
2.) I would be participating less often. Less often seeking for help and support and generally shy off it. I would struggle with communicating with others and feel more anxious of what I do.

1 reply
wonderfulKermitKaTy March 1st, 2021

@windSpirit You seem to really value which is great as it is one of the most important virtue to have a better place.

Sunisshiningandsoareyou March 5th, 2021

@windSpirit

Hello there!

I like how you've answered the questions,and I greatly agree with all , especially the causing anxiety part .

Best wishes for your journey ♥️

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wonderfulKermitKaTy March 1st, 2021

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

Having low expectations will affect the community by making them ineffective and making the 7cups substandard. Having low warmth will destroy the current supportive, creative and helpful nature of 7cup.

2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

It will create a toxic environment in 7 cups and demotivate people here.

1 reply
Sunisshiningandsoareyou March 5th, 2021

@wonderfulKermitKaTy

Helloo there, great to see you as a part of LDP too.

I agree with your responses, nicely explained.

Best wishes for your journey ♥️

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Sunisshiningandsoareyou March 5th, 2021

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

If there's an imbalance in the expectations and warmth for our work , it can certainly be a tiring job to do, I believe most of us are here to use our spare time for something good, when we enroll in a leadership role, we are taking that extra step to serve the community even better . So it's very important to have a good balance, between what is expected of us in our roles and the support and encouragement we receive in order to successfully reach our high potential, else a disbalance may cause, stress and less productivity and satisfaction derived from doing that "Good" thing , we signed up for ,earlier .

How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community,

If the expectations are too low, then the community's ultimate goal and value system will be affected, there wouldn't be much of a passion involved.

Too low warmth, is equally bad for the community, we at 7 cups are a group of warm and welcoming group of people, who form a supportive and All for one and one for all community , if the efforts aren't recognized and there's no support and encouragement in the community, the basic idea of it ,will collapse, affecting everyone strongly , emotionally and mentally.

and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders?

I believe a strong quality a leader must have is ,Approachability and it depends largely upon someone we can trust and expect to get the job done or help us through the task , similarly , we do approach leaders who appear to be more warm and supportive, as these are the ones, that not only support and encourage us , but also inspire us to do the same with fellow amazing people.

Therefore, if there's too low expectations and too low warmth, it may hamper the co working relationship amongst leaders, creating an invisible wall where neither can approach each other .

3 replies
Cristen April 16th, 2021

@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
Hello hello sunisshining! I like how your answers are well explained and concise at the same time! Very nice popping blue color as well smiley

2 replies
Sunisshiningandsoareyou April 16th, 2021

@Cristen

Yay Cristen, I am glad you liked my response and the blue color lol ! Best wishes for your LDP journey, rock itt❤

1 reply
Cristen April 16th, 2021

@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
Thank you so much suniss!!! blush Wishing you all the best as well!

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