Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #2) Service Leadership at 7 Cups
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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Being a leader at 7 Cups takes many forms. One thing every listener has in common is that we are all agents of service. Whether we are taking member chats or we are welcoming a new listener to the community, every unique contribution made by listeners is equally wonderful and valuable.
There are many ways to spend our  volunteer time at 7 Cups. Some of you will choose to focus on member chats and others will choose to be involved with our community programs, or both!  No matter which path, all contributions are considered incredibly valuable and special.
The term  Service leadership  (based on the philosophy of servant leadership, in  which the main goal of the leader is to serve)  can be explained in this way:  "Traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the top of the pyramid. By comparison, the servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible."
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!
Leadership - Becoming a Teen Star, Mentor, Mentor Leader or Ambassador.
Weve long said⦠that if you want to be a mentor, be a mentor, eventually youll 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.
One misconception I have heard floating around is that once youre in one of these roles you need to do more, be more, show more, etc. The reality could not be any further from the truth. These roles signify contributions that are currently being made & are not about contributions we hope these individuals will make in the future.
Another way to think about this is - Â if youre accepted to be a mentor leader or ambassador, we will not be giving you more work. Our aim is to honor the work you have been previously/currently doing. In fact, wed love for you to add more self-care to your regular routine. These titles are reserved for successful project leaders & community members who are already involved in community engagement projects and actively making a positive impact. In some cases, we may give you more tools to do your specific projects more effectively.
In this sense, 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. Dont take on more than you are able. If you dont 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! Â
If youd 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 youre 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.
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Questions: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
How can you become a better "servant' to our community?
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.
@Heather225
What do you think of the idea of service leadership?
In my opinion service leadership is more like rising up together. Where instead of holding all the power and commanding others, service leadership provides equal opportunity to move towards a goal by providing followers to learn and grow as well to make a positive contribution to the community.
Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
While I believe almost all of the leadership areas are focused on service leadership, with my experience being in the listener verifies team, I think it's one of the places to see service leadership in action. We all help each other to achieve goals and also none of them forgets to just connect and see how the work is going and if any help is needed.
How can you become a better "servant'' to our community?
Anyone can become a better service leader, by continuing to contribute to the community with the leadership role while providing support and guidance to other followers. So that they can grow and learn about the community and their roles and provide more to the society.
You brought up really great points in your responses! Rising up as a team and providing equal opportunities to everyone allows for a greater sense of community! You have such great goals too! Thanks so much for sharing! ❤️
@Nerdtastic01
<3
@Heather225
What do you think of the idea of service leadership?
I feel it is amazing. We are so accustomed to action-reward system in our daily lives but in service leadership, power is shared and others’ needs is given much importance. This shifts the focus and the perspective as well.
Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
Recently, I participated in the “Sharing Circle”. Literally, every listener there was inspired me. Also, all the mentors that have helped during my internship and now in LDP
How can you become a better "servant' to our community?
By being more empathic, by being more participating and encouraging in forums and chatroom sessions. I would also ask my mentors for feedback and work on it actively.
I would also practice self-care and do as much as I can take and not overstress myself.
I love your idea of service leadership! It's very true that in this type of leadership, there is no external incentive, which definitely brings a different perspective to the table. Also, your goals for becoming a better service leader are amazing, and they will definitely help you become a more empathetic and effective leader! Thank you for sharing! ❤️
@Prachi9876
Self-care is something I could improve on!
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 that service leadership is expressing the motivation to get involved in the 7 Cups community, and to support those who are enduring tough challenges. One example of this type of leadership comes from listeners, who devote their time and attention to members and guests who reach out for encouragement and support during difficult times in their lives.How can you become a better "servant' to our community?To become a better "servant" to our community, I can make a greater contribution by listening to more members and guests, replying to forum posts, and applying to leadership roles that will make a big difference to our 7 Cups community. Additionally, I should take care of myself so that I can better serve others who need it most!
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 that service leadership is expressing the motivation to get involved in the 7 Cups community, and to support those who are enduring tough challenges. One example of this type of leadership comes from listeners, who devote their time and attention to members and guests who reach out for encouragement and support during difficult times in their lives.
How can you become a better "servant' to our community?To become a better "servant" to our community, I can make a greater contribution by listening to more members and guests, replying to forum posts, and applying to leadership roles that will make a big difference to our 7 Cups community. Additionally, I should take care of myself so that I can better serve others who need it most!
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 that service leadership is expressing the motivation to get involved in the 7 Cups community, and to support those who are enduring tough challenges. One example of this type of leadership comes from listeners, who devote their time and attention to members and guests who reach out for encouragement and support during difficult times in their lives.
How can you become a better "servant' to our community?
To become a better "servant" to our community, I can make a greater contribution by listening to more members and guests, replying to forum posts, and applying to leadership roles that will make a big difference to our 7 Cups community. Additionally, I should take care of myself so that I can better serve others who need it most!
@Nerdtastic01
I think it's easy to overlook the act of caring for yourself in service, as the primary goal is to help others. However, taking care of ourselves is just as important to make sure we can provide the best help! I really like that you took this into consideration in your response. You'll make a great leader ^^
@Heather225
What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?How can you become a better "servant'’ to our community?
The idea of service leadership is really good and amazing. It is not just about exercising power, it is serving and supporting everyone to accomplish the common goals. One example of service leadership I have seen on 7 Cups is that of the role of peer supporter. Listeners need support too and they are doing a wonderful job here. Peer supporters provide emotional support to listeners which is an amazing thing to do. I can become a better “servant” to 7 Cups by utilizing my skills and talents effectively and supporting members in addition to contributing to the community projects.
@caringHope1976
Hi Hope! I think your idea of how you can help is really good. I think one of the most important things we can do is use our strengths to dictate what we should do to help. This gives members quality care. Thank you for your service ^^
@caringHope1976
That's a really good point, having balance between leadership and making sure you're still connected with members and their views is really important, and being a peer supporter is an amazing role to showcase service leadership and support other listeners!
@Heather225
I think service leadership is vital to creating a productive and positive environment here at 7 cups. With service leadership one can create amazing connections with other people while also participating in amazing actions. One example of service leadership I have seen is people here completing their coursework to eventually get a higher role at 7 Cups! Those who help others regardless of their position are also another example! I can become a better servant to my community by working to my best potential.
@TheGoodHeartedBuddy
Hi Buddy! You definitely have the right idea. We have to work to our best potential, which means doing as much as we can! Of course, reasonably. I'm happy to have your vigour on the team ^^
@TheGoodHeartedBuddy
Yeah I agree Buddy, creating good connections is so important in making sure we have good service leadership, and creating a warm and inviting community where people can feel supported and enjoy their time here :)
@TheGoodHeartedBuddy
Indeed, it will allow creating a productive and positive environment for all. Providing a healing and supportive setting.
@Heather225
I think the idea of service leadership is in the title of the name. Service. In normal leadership, it's easy to be overbearing with power, as there is something associated with being in charge and mandating that can cause a power imbalance. Service leadership mitigates this by making the primary function of leadership, service. This allows everyone to have a shared idea of power in service through the act of empowering others.
One example of service leadership I have seen on 7Cups is Group Discussion hosting. Though there is an element of power in being able to lead a group discussion, the service aspect balances power in the discussion. Leaders must share power with all members of the discussion to express their thoughts while giving encouragement.
I think I can become a better servant by taking care of myself. I tend to get very excited in helping others that I take on more than I should in fear of letting others down. In doing this, however, I make myself burned out which takes away from how long I am able to lead without a self-care break. If I manage my efforts better, I can offer more support over a longer period of time.
@LavenderFlower
That's a really good point about the balance of power and how in normal leadership it can often become overbearing and too controlling on people. Taking care of yourself is also a really good idea to ensure you're in the best mindset for being a good leader as well :).
What do you think of the idea of service leadership?
I think that service leadership is a really good way to lead, especially with a culture like 7 Cups. It shows the commitment of leaders to the values of 7 Cups, and keeps the community closely linked to its roots so we can ensure we are always working towards the best interests of the people who come here for support.
Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
In sharing circles and group rooms, when a leader is hosting a session and takes the time out to welcome and check in on everyone who joins individually, it shows their commitment to the individuals and ensuring that everyone is included. It also shows how they are working to give members the best support possible and create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
How can you become a better "servant' to our community?
I could spend more time checking in with people after chats or in group rooms, and as a leader ensure that feedback from members and other listeners is acted upon so everyone gets a positive experience. Also just by welcoming new people into rooms and letting know the chat and discussion topic can be really helpful as well.
@Izzy274
you are right, it is about working towards the best interests of the community. Being there for yourself and others.
@Izzy274
You have one genius mind to notice that in sharing circles and group rooms, the leader takes the time out to welcome and check in on everyone who joins individually. Intelligent example of servant leadership😃
@Heather225
Hello everyone 👋👋👋
What do you think of the idea of service leadership?
The idea of service leadership is significant, listeners volunteering their time to support members and leaders helping both listeners and members. It is extremely rewarding and involves unconditional support and love for everyone and setting a good example for all.
Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
To do my very best for others by using active listening skills and utilising leadership skills to support fellow listeners. Also have short- and long-term self-care plans to support yourself through rough or tough chats.
How can you become a better "servant' to our community?
I love hosting in the member and listener chatrooms (check-ins and sharing circles), also supporting one to one member chats. I enjoy being part of the peer supporter, room supporter, quality mentor, care team member. I am hoping to join the verifiers' team and safety patrol team too.
@courageousheart96
The fact that you started your post with a greeting 👌... Incredible...hi too. I agree with you too, service leadership is unconditional support and love for everyone.
@courageousheart96
Hello, Heart!
I am happy to know that you enjoy helping members and listeners out in the group chatrooms. Hoping to see you working in the verifiers' team and safety patrol team as well.