Course 3, Discussion 1: Service Leadership at 7 Cups
The term Service leadership (based on the philosophy of servant leadership, in which the main goal of the leader is to serve). 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!
We've long said that if you want to be a mentor, be a mentor, eventually you'll 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.
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. Don't take on more than you are able. If you don't 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!
If you'd 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 you're 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.
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 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!
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✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
Most (if not all) of 7cups depends and is built around service leadership. Most leaders in 7cups are always at the service of those who need it, building a safe and strong support space.
One example are mentors, there are so many and they truly help and serve those who need guidance.
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
@jaboo
Wonderful answer I hope you're leadership journey is going great!
I think the idea of service leadership is incredibly valuable and effective. It flips the traditional power dynamic on its head, focusing on the leader's role in serving their team or community rather than the other way around. Service leaders prioritize the needs of others, empower them to grow, and foster a supportive and collaborative environment. This approach can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and overall success for the group.
One example of service leadership I've seen on 7 Cups is the consistent support and guidance provided by the Mentors to the Listeners. Mentors on 7 Cups often prioritize the growth and well-being of the Listeners they support. They offer constructive feedback, share their knowledge and experience, and create a safe space for Listeners to develop their skills. Instead of simply directing Listeners, Mentors serve them by equipping them to provide better support to the 7 Cups community members. This is a clear demonstration of service leadership in action, where the focus is on enabling others to succeed.@FrenchToast
@BPDBadee
I enjoyed reading your detailed and well written response. I also love how you mentionned the flipping of the power dynamic with service leadership.
I think service leadership is a powerful and ethical approach to leading. It shifts the focus from the leader's personal gain to the growth and well-being of those they lead. By prioritizing the needs of others, service leaders foster trust, collaboration, and a sense of shared purpose, which can lead to more engaged and effective teams or communities.
One example of service leadership I've witnessed on 7 Cups is the way experienced Listeners often guide and support new Listeners. Instead of asserting authority or simply giving orders, these seasoned Listeners take on a mentoring role. They patiently answer questions, offer helpful feedback, and share their own experiences to help new Listeners develop their skills and confidence. This exemplifies service leadership because the focus is on empowering others to grow and better serve the 7 Cups community, rather than on demonstrating personal expertise or control.@FrenchToast
@BPDBadee
Hey. I thought your response was well thought out
@FrenchToast
Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership?
Service leadership is really important and valuable. It's great to see how supportive everyone here on 7cups is.
Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
Room supporters are wonderful at including everyone and being positive.
@SparklesFly
I agree Room supporters are wonderful and so are you as listener Room supporter 😊🌸
@FrenchToast
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
Service leadership is about helping others and contributing to the community without seeking recognition. Every role, whether in member support, mentorship, or programs, is valuable. An example of service leadership on 7 Cups is how mentors guide new listeners, offering support and encouragement selflessly.
@Bismil66
Well said
@FrenchToast
With an emphasis on enabling others to realize their full potential, service leadership is a leadership style that prioritizes the needs and development of others. It is based on humility, empathy, and selflessness, where leaders serve their team or community with the goal of creating an atmosphere that supports wellbeing and personal growth. Volunteer listeners who commit their time to helping people in emotional distress on platforms like as **7 Cups** are an example of service leadership. These listeners are excellent examples of service leadership because they provide a safe, accepting environment for individuals to share their emotions while assisting them in developing emotional fortitude and maturity. The goal of this kind of leadership is to have a significant impact on people's lives by assisting them in discovering their own voice and power rather than imposing authority.
@FrenchToast
Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups?
Service leadership is a splendid idea. It promotes unity in the work done. Everyone on 7 cups is giving a service no matter in what form.
Project Agents, they encourage members and listeners to become better versions of themselves by promoting what 7 cups has to offer.
Question: 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 service leadership is having certain skills of a mentor and leader but also emphasis with a none leader or mentor and spends their time on 7 cups doing what they can to help a community and supports them.
The support that they give when you need a mentor or just someone that will listen.
Good insights, best of luck with everything
@FrenchToast
✒️ Question: What do you think of the idea of service leadership? Can you list one example of service leadership you have seen on 7 Cups? To lead by example to know what I am wanting from others on the team and that everything is working smoothly
✒️ Please reply to at least 1 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words!
✒️ Question: 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 servant leadership is a method that fosters the growth of the group, including leaders and followers.
An example of servant leadership that I’ve seen on 7 Cups is in the invitations I received to take part in programs such as the Leadership Development Program. I also noticed a great willingness to help when I had questions or doubts.
@Floffj
nice response I can see how much effort you put into the questions. Keep it up!
@twerp
Like it