Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #2) Service Leadership at 7 Cups

@Heather225

Such an amazing post. This made me feel so good about being on 7Cups.

According to me, service leadership is about being selfless and about giving importance to the needs of those who are taking up your service and also those who are working under you or with you. It also involves creating a sense of comfort and peace among all the people of the community.

One example that I have come across is how listener coaches are so supportive and encouraging. I felt my listener coach trusted me more than I trusted myself and help me pass my AL1 test when I had failed 2 times previously. I just loved that kind of positivity that I had experienced.

I can be a better servant to the community by trying to be a good listener and a good leader with loads of empathy and support.

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 this idea of service leadership is important because a.) you want to always set an example for other people, encouraging them to step out and be of service to others and b.) an important quality for leaders is this sense of community and equality, even though they are more trained or they may be the one people turn to, that doesn't make them better of "the boss" and leaders should humble themselves because it is an honor, not a necessity, to be one.

How can you become a better "servant' to our community?

I can become a better servant by participating more in sharing circles, and group support chats to demonstrate my willingness to help others and to be there for them no matter what.

1: The idea of service leadership is amazing as the people who are a volunteer who work there way up to entor is honoring. It makes you feel that you doing something well. I reflect on this as a mentor as reminded after doing a mock chat that is helping someone else out and improving the quality of peer support we give

2: Service leadership that I saw on the platform is forum mentors making the area of the community more active and also makes it feel home like. For example what I been thinking recently is the college and student section as it reminds people that they are not allowed in what they do when there in college. It makes them feel less alone I been finding as well.

3: A way that I could be a better serveant to the community is focusing more on a project than being spread out. This would be helpful as I think about becoming a quality mentor leader down the road when I find that niche. But curently just working on finding that niche some time down the road.

@Heather225

Service leadership to me is contributing your whole to your task. It's about the quality of the task you're delivering.

One example of service leadership I've seen and really love is listeners supporting listeners. It really warns my heart to see how listeners are not only there for members and supporting them but they also go hand in hand with other listeners, being there for them wherever possible. I count that as service leadership as well.

I can become a better servant to the 7 Cups community by pushing my limits and investing more time on 1-1 support than I currently am.

What do you think of the idea of service leadership?

I think it enables everyone to contribute and give back to the community, and set a good example for others

Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?

Members interacting with others in chat rooms, and being welcoming and supportive

How can you become a better "servant' to our community?

Do what I can to help out and work with others to create a positive and healthy atmosphere

@Heather225

Service leadership to me is using the experience that I've gained so far to support and guide others.

When I first became a listener, I remember that I used to find listening more challenging than I do now, something that newcomers may get through as well. To become better we need both support and guidance as active listening and emotional support may be tricky and not the easiest to adapt in the first place. I would like to be an example for others and help them in their listening journey as I have been helped as well.

There's something that I believe is tricky for all of us and I continue to work on to better serve the community. Sometimes out of good intentions, we try to help someone with kind and uplifting words, which is great and generally helps, but we forget to give them time and space to express themselves and actually listen to them. Sometimes just being present helps a lot and answering after listening to someone's words makes us more effective into the point and increases trust. Don't forget to listen. Even if what you listen to may sound crazy. It's someone's truth. And it may mean the world to them. A truth that needs just to be heard and that nobody else listens to. We can never know what someone is getting through no matter how impossible it may sound. I hope to become a good leader and continue evolving.

Questions: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? I think there is more freedom and room for inspiration and innovation in service leadership. Authoritative leaders may be followed grudgingly. Service leaders bring out the joy in others.

Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups? I see how the quality mentors and leadership coaches help listeners in a selfless way to experience the joy of successful listening.

How can you become a better "servant' to our community? The most important starting place to serve the community is to shrink the part of ourselves that says "it is all about me" and realize and practice that "we are all in this together".


Activity: Please reply to 3 of your peers  in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!

@Heather225

What do you think of the idea of service leadership?
I like the idea of service leadership as it encourages empathy and works in a way that benefits everyone, and has a room for growth

Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
Mentoring could be a best example of service leadership, providing feedback, helping fellow listeners on their growth. Working together for growth of all members of the community shows us the concept of service leadership in 7cups.

How can you become a better "servant' to our community?
I can be a better servant through self commitment to the community and through active listening and empathy.

@Heather225

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?

"Service leadership" is a concept I haven't heard of before, but it makes sense as I think I've been involved in this in the past. You are offering leadership for the sheer pleasure of doing so, not to receive a certain title or to take on more. I've seen leadership through the group chat moderators, and through peer and chat supporters. I've seen leadership through listeners who just care and want to help other listeners by providing feedback and empathy.

I can become a better "servant" by continuing to learn, to ask questions, and to share what I've experienced to other listeners, and to members who come for support. But to also look after myself and be respectful of what I can and can't handle.

What do you think of the idea of service leadership?

I think the idea of service leadership is great as it keeps leaders focussed on how they can best serve the community. It is also motivating as they are constantly seeing the "why" for what they are doing, i.e. the people who come here seeking support.

Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?

I often see it in people running discussions in the group support rooms. They are leading the discussions, but everything they ask and say is carefully considered so that it is helpful to the participants and lets the participants get involved in what's going on.

How can you become a better "servant' to our community?

I need to keep focussed on my reasons for doing the activities I do on the site. I am here to support people, and I need to make sure that my actions reflect that.