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!
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@FrenchToast
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 service leadership involves having the qualities of both a mentor and a leader, while also being empathetic like someone who isn’t in a leadership role. A service leader spends time on 7 Cups helping the community in any way they can, offering support and encouragement.
They’re there for others, whether you need a mentor or just someone to listen. Room supporters!
@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?
For me, service leadership is the essence of thriving communities. Unlike traditional leadership, which involves a leader exercising their power, the service leadership focuses on serving others. Service leadership allows leaders to put the needs and well-being of others first, creating harmonious environments where everyone thrives.
An example I have seen of service leadership on 7 Cups is academy mentors. Providing detailed and timely feedback and ensuring that each trainee gets adequate support allows trainees to thrive and to feel supported. I thrive to become a servant leader as an academic mentor for the CDM program.
@SweetSunset92
great post :)
@jaileybeann16
Thank you for your reply and good luck on your leadership journey 🥰
@SweetSunset92
The academy mentors are a great example of servant leaders. Well done.
@FrenchToast
One example of leadership is the people that host in the support rooms.
@FrenchToast
Good
I like the listeners service or support service
@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?
I love the idea of servant leadership because in chats, the listener is serving or helping the member overcome the issue they are facing through listening and providing care to them. One example I have seen is the help chat support provides to the listeners who have questions about chats or 7 cups.
@RisingSunset225
Great answer!<3
@RisingSunset225
I love your response
@FrenchToast
My take on service leadership:
I think service leadership is a powerful and sustainable approach to community building. It shifts the focus from authority to intentional contribution, where leaders support others by actively serving the community's needs not for recognition, but out of care and commitment.
An example of service leadership I’ve seen on 7 Cups:
I have seen listeners consistently welcoming newcomers in group chats, answering questions, and quietly guiding others without needing formal titles!!<3
@wishfulashx
Very sell said
@FrenchToast 🌿 I really appreciate the concept of service leadership because it shifts the focus from leading to supporting. It’s not about being in charge, it’s about lifting others up and helping the whole community thrive. One example I’ve seen on 7 Cups is how some mentors quietly support trainees behind the scenes, always checking in, offering guidance, and celebrating small wins. They may not always be visible, but their impact is huge. 💙
@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?
I think it’s a great idea how to leave by serving others, it always brings the community together
I think one example Would be the chatroom supporters, they do a great job at supporting every one
@supportiveRiver8773
I totally agree with you. Great post. good luck with your journey here.
@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 displays characteristics such as strong listening skills, empathy, self-awareness, and the desire to create a healthy work environment. And I have seen examples such as leadership mentors, and great mentor leadership i have received throughout this course.
✒️ 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?
great answer @wonderfulBlueberry7326 good luck with the course