Understanding 7 Cups Culture (LDP Discussion #5)
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Hello Leadership Crew!
We are wrapping up the first course today with our last discussion on culture. Look for more instructions in this post to take the final evaluation for the course to your graduation. Once you have this course complete, you will be 20% done the Leadership Development Program. Good work!
Let's start by looking at the wikipedia definition of culture:
--Culture (/ÃkÃltÃÃr/) is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.[1]
We take culture seriously on 7 Cups because it is the heart of how we operate. A wise person once said: You teach what you know, but you reproduce who you are. We can have all of the best training content we want, but if our culture is not strong, then we will not be successful in growing a thriving, compassionate, community that will make a global impact.
Every organization has a culture whether by design or by default. When culture (including values and mission are not called out or made explicit, the organization defaults to an implicit or unstated culture. The unnamed culture is not always great for the end users or the community. An example of a common and implicit cultural rule or norm is that the person that makes the most money or the organization is the most important. People that work in this organization then, naturally, because it is the culture, start organizing themselves around ways to make more and more money. The ones at the top of the hierarchy are the ones that make the most money. 7 Cups cares less about money and more about compassion. We call out compassion and celebrate compassionate people because that is central to the work we do.
Please read our guide here to deeply understand our culture. We have made it explicit because we believe it is important to help us all be accountable to what we stand for and believe in. As leaders on 7 Cups, you will be models that emulate our culture and values.
One theme you'll notice in our guide is that it is very proactive, which is the opposite of reactive. We act first, we design first, we implement first in order to make an impact. Companies that react allow events to shape them; we instead try to focus on where we can have influence and shape events before they shape our community.
Part of being proactive is critical because building culture online is more challenging than building a culture offline. Offline interpersonal and group relationships are easier in a number of ways. People are generally much better behaved when they are right in front of you and it is easier for people to sync up and work towards a common goal. Online cultures have less of these natural strengths so you have to be extra proactive to build a strong culture. Look at most communities on the Internet. Unfortunately, they tend to devolve and become less than safe places with a lot of hate, sexual, and harmful behaviors. Our training system, the badges, word filters, moderators, etc. (dozens of behaviors we do) are all designed to proactively build and reinforce our culture so that we do not experience this same kind of entropy. Internet culture can be like an escalator going down. You have to be very proactive and take 2 or 3 steps up at a time to maintain and strengthen gains. As a leader on 7 Cups, you will be part of that group that gets behind us and enables us to continue making forward momentum.
That provides the broader background context to why we care so much about our culture and values at 7 Cups. They are core to our work.
To help make it more real, in this post, please highlight the 3 most important things you learned from our guide and why they are important to you.
After posting, please...
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@GlenM
please highlight the 3 most important things you learned from our guide and why they are important to you.
1) We invest in you : I find this to be a very important aspect as work shouldn't only be about money or just doing something for living. It should be something you love to do, you're interested to do and something that could support the community you'd like to reach.
2) We Expect Failure : I find this important because I believe that everyone fails at least once [if not more] in their life and by failing we learn. Failing to do something shouldn't mean that you're weak. Instead it should show that you didn't know how to succeed in a particular task first but with the experience and guidance you'll do great the next time.
3) Take care of yourself : I find this important because as mentioned in the guide if you are to help and support someone you should be in a proper state. For example if you're sad, not healthy or feeling down, you might not be able to do your best. Instead if you take care of yourself to be more healthy and have a stress-free life, you can spread compassion and warmth to many people.
@bubblingBreeze14
It's cool how you highlighted the "we expect failure" section. At the end of the day, we are all human. That means we are constantly struggling and making mistakes. Accepting the fact that we are imperfect can allow us to realize that not everything needs to be perfect in order to be successful. We should value eachother's potential and recognmize our mistakes to learn and grow from them.
@TheGoodHeartedBuddy
Thank You 
and well said.. Everyone is unique on their own way, and excapting them for who they are and embracing those differences can give massive success to organizations, teams, etc.7 Cups I believe is one of the best examples for such great community.
Faliure on the other hand is success in disguise 
All you need is a little support and encouragement and you'll climb great heights!
The scale at which 7Cups functions is humongous. The diversity and connectivity that it offers is unmatchable, which has led it to become the largest mental health system in the world. This has given 7Cups the responsibility and accountability. And I, being a part of this community, feel that it is a privilege to do this type of work, I consider it an honor, and I take it very seriously.
The three most important things I learned from the guide are as follows:
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Your Work Matters
The way we, as listeners, contribute to one-on-one chats and chat forums, individually is a sum of the whole. How our individuality contributes to what 7Cups has to offer makes me proud of myself.
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Friendliness and Conscientiousness
7Cups values warmth and friendliness keeping the accountability and responsibility in check. When a person is conscientious it means you can trust them to work hard, work smart, and get the job done. Conscientiousness is the biggest single indicator of success. The Big 5 personality inventory enables you to learn about your own levels of conscientiousness and friendliness.
In order to be successful at 7cups these two qualities are a must.
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We Believe in Equality
At 7 Cups, we believe that every single person is valuable. In the world of 7 Cups, every person is treated with equal respect, enjoys equal freedom, and equal rights irrespective of gender orientation, race, religion, or any other difference. We embrace diversity and consider it key in bringing varied perspectives and solutions to difficult problems.
by- @Prachi9876
@Prachi9876
Such a lovely response. Amazing!
@GlenM
Three ideas taught to me within the guide about our culture is trust, investment, and accountability. Having trust allows for a community that is both positive and unified and having such a culture leads to strong connections. Investing time and dedication when talkung to others, regardless of whether that is to members or other listeners is vital. Furthermore, having accountability and fulfilling obligations as a lisitener and as part of this leadership program is important to the productivity and positive atmosphere that is present in 7 cups.
I understood a lot of things and some of them are:
1) Your Work Matters <3 Our work is important for the user because they would they can find a shoulder and an important support, listening must undoubtedly be a surrender action.
2) Having high expectations and high warmth at the same time is essential for this platform and community, because shows compassion for others, I like the description of the guide, since it explains that our listening should be like a warm hug full of compassion, understanding and full of high expectations,
3) As listeners something that should be important is to make equality, regardless of their gender, beliefs, religions, ideologies etc. We have to keep in mind, not judge anyone. we must be careful what we say, because they trust us and we must create an environment of respect
Respectful dialogue so that people trust us more, we must not judge the actions of others, or blame them for any situation, they expect a lot from us, and we must create a friendly environment so that they can feel our support
@Crystaldancer
I like your responses to this thread! I think it's really important to recognize and value the discussions of both members and listeners. That's why it's so important to make sure our work ethic is very strong and we recognize eachother. Working together means valuing others' opinions just as much as you value your own.
@GlenM
I learned so much from reading this guide, but there are three things that really stood out to me regarding our culture at 7 Cups. First, 7 Cups is mainly based on trust. By having trust, everyone can display results faster while tension is at its utmost minimum. Second, there is a balance between high expectations and high warmth. This means that the 7 Cups team expects a great amount of effort on our part, while also creating a supportive and comforting environment. Last but not least, our success of 7 Cups depends on the amount of collaboration amongst a team. Through effective collaboration, we as a team can conquer complex problems and tasks, and as a result, produce positive results. I believe all of these aspects are really important for creating a positive environment on 7 Cups.
I learned so much from reading this guide, but there are three things that really stood out to me regarding our culture at 7 Cups. First, 7 Cups is mainly based on trust. By having trust, everyone can display results faster while tension is at its utmost minimum. Second, there is a balance between high expectations and high warmth. This means that the 7 Cups team expects a great amount of effort on our part, while also creating a supportive and comforting environment. Last but not least, our success of 7 Cups depends on the amount of collaboration amongst a team. Through effective collaboration, we as a team can conquer complex problems and tasks, and as a result, produce positive results. I believe all of these aspects are really important for creating a positive environment on 7 Cups.
@Nerdtastic01
I agree - trust, collaboration and a supportive environment are all vital parts of the 7 Cups culture. It's amazing to see so many people all coming together in different roles and teams to bring in new ideas and help keep 7 Cups growing, and the high warmth of everyone here creates a supportive environment where it's okay to make mistakes and learn along the way.
@GlenM
Please highlight the 3 most important things you learned from our guide and why they are important to you.
The 3 most important things I learned from the guide are trust, taking care of oneself, and believing in equality. Trust is extremely important. If we are not able to trust the other person, things will not work smoothly. There will be hurdles and obstacles. Hence, we would not be able to accomplish our goals. Taking care of oneself is crucial. If we do not take care of our well-being, we would not be able to help others and support them. Believing in equality is highly important. Everyone has the right to have access to mental health resources. Everyone deserves the best kind of help and support.
@caringHope1976
I think this is so important. Mental health services and even access to mental health resources are expensive. Equality is what allows 7Cups to achieve the altruistic goal of widescale care for all, regardless of income. We need to be diligent about that goal and be mindful of those we serve.
@LavenderFlower
Yes indeed... We need to be diligent about that goal and be mindful of those we serve.
@caringHope1976
That's so true, 7 Cups is an amazing place to spread awareness for mental health and make a difference, and the fact we're trusted to take on leadership roles and help to build the community in a decentralised way is really unique and special in helping us to accomplish our goals.
@Izzy274
7 Cups is a great place to make a difference
- Nice answers! @caringHope1976
@GlenM
The three most important things I learned from the guide are:
1. Even though 7Cups operates with a sense of urgency, there is an emphasis on creating meaningful connections with others so that we can motivate each other in order to succeed. We shouldn't feel alone in our roles and reach out to team members for support. For me this is important because I would like to interact with others more on this site and build a net of people I can consider close.
2. 7Cups priorities self-care because, without it, people cannot do their best. This is important to me because I often overwork myself due to fear of letting others down, to be allowed to have self-care is amazing to prevent me from getting burned out.
3. 7Cups wants to help me achieve my goals and will help me voice and work on timeframes to do so. This is important to me because I am very ambitious and have many goals I would like to accomplish. I'm more than happy for the support to do so.
@LavenderFlower
Those are 3 amazing points, it's amazing how 7 Cups can really be such a personal journey and help you grow and develop your own skills, whilst growing the community and contributing to something amazing and meaningful as well. They do see you as a person and ensure everyone feels supported in their roles.
@Izzy274
It helps grow and develop your own skills
- Great! @LavenderFlower
Please highlight the 3 most important things you learned from our guide and why they are important to you.
- I learnt that trust is very important to the culture at 7 Cups. This is because It lets many different people introduce new ideas and help to grow the 7 Cups community, without having to constantly get things approved by other people. It allows anyone to get involved, and let 7 Cups grow as quickly and best as it can. Trust is also important because trust between listeners and members during chats is vital to ensure people feel safe enough to share, so trust underpins everything we do here.
- Problem-solving is also very important within 7 Cups. Something that really stuck with me from the guide is that 7 Cups isn't just about reaching goals and targets, it's about personal journeys and the growth of our community as a whole. There will also be something new to do on 7 Cups - a new project, or existing ones. However, it also shows how a supportive community enables many people to work towards solving problems and develop those skills themselves in a supportive environment, which is a really special and beautiful thing.
- I also found that a positive, supportive environment is integral to the culture of 7 Cups - we're all supporting each other to grow. It can be really stressful at times getting projects completed in a leadership role, but there are always people around to help out and guide you in a way that helps you grow, and give you the skills to succeed next time. It helps you to grow as a person, but also 7 Cups to grow alongside you which is an amazing thing to think about. It shows the impact you can have to make a positive difference, which is something I feel is amazing about 7 Cups.
Nice! @Izzy274
@GlenM
Highlight the 3 most important things you learned from our guide and why they are important to you.
- Equality - Everyone should be included, respected and welcomed, irrespective of gender orientation, race, religion, or any other difference. This allows everyone to have the opportunity to share their struggles and achievements.
- Trust - It goes both ways, it is an important aspect of growth on a personal level and as well as a listener, member or leader.
- High Expectations & High Warmth - Setting expectations and having clear boundaries and as well as a culture of warmth, patience, and trust can help us to grow and succeed as a person and also in the 7cups community.