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Announcements & Appreciation! Archived Ask Questions! Check-ins Community Building Course Course 1: Personal Leadership Course 2: Foundational Leadership Principles Course 3: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader Ice-breakers and Welcoming Area! LDP Coursework for batches before Dec 12, 2022 Leadership Development Course: Start Here! Leadership Development Track Leadership Lounge Leadership Positions Resource Center Special Events
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positivePumpkin22 profile picture
Welcome to Leadership Development Program! Introduce yourself here
by positivePumpkin22
Last post
 Saturday
...See more Hello New Trainees!  We are excited to welcome you to LDP. I hope you all have a wonderful learning experience with us.  Here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ldp/LeadershipDevelopmentCourseStartHere_2118/LDPStudentStepbyStepWalkthrough_292702/]is a quick guide to let you get started and here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ldp/General_2457/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramLDPMentorTeamAvailability_375678/]you can find active LDP mentors ready to support you at any step of the way.  Don't be shy to say Hello and share: When are you joining us? What excites you about taking this course? Happy Learning!  ------------------------- This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ldp/LeadershipDevelopmentCourseStartHere_2118/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramBecomealeader_288442/].
FrenchToast profile picture
Community Building Course
by FrenchToast
Last post
 Friday
...See more Hi everyone! Welcome to the final course of the Leadership Development Program. Do note that this course also serves as an elective for other academy programs so you are in the right place even if you are not an LDP trainee. Anyone can complete this even if they are not enrolled in any academy program.  Please click on each week to get the link to the chapters and activities, as well as the chapter quizzes. Week One: Chapter 1 & 2 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/CommunityProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekOneChapter12_221753/1/] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekOneChapter12_221753/]Week Two: Chapter 3 & 4 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/CommunityProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekTwoChapter34_222290/] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekOneChapter12_221753/]Week Three: Chapter 5 & 6 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekThreeChapter56_222486/] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekOneChapter12_221753/]Week Four: Chapter 7 & [https://www.7cups.com/forum/CommunityProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekFourChapter78_222860/]8 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/CommunityProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekFourChapter78_222860/] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekOneChapter12_221753/]Week Five: Chapter 9 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekFiveChapter9andCourseEvaluationForm_223322/] [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekOneChapter12_221753/]Evaluation Form [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ProjectsEvents_184/CommunityBuildingCourseChallenge_2072/WeekFiveChapter9andCourseEvaluationForm_223322/] What is this course? It is a learning opportunity based on the teachings of the book ‘Get Together: How to Build a Community with Your People [https://www.amazon.com/Get-Together-build-community-people/dp/1732265194].' The book is written by authors who are experts on community building. We encourage anyone who is interested in community building and management to read the book but it's optional. We have studied the book and summarized the key lessons and their 7 Cups applications. The course will go on for 4 weeks, each week we will look at the findings of two chapters and how the principle knowledge can be applied to 7 Cups. Each week's learning will be accompanied by a quiz to test the knowledge! In order to receive your certificate and the Community Builder badge, you need to complete all quizzes (80% or over-score in all + no copy/pasting for essay questions), and submit the evaluation form. Failure to submit the evaluation form will result in no certificate or badge. Note: Each quiz contains a field where we ask you to apply some of the chapter's teachings. These are essay questions so they are not auto-graded however if a user is found to be copy/pasting the answers to satisfy the word count or not putting in the effort to come up with a relevant answer then the person will not receive a certificate or a badge. This is not a mandatory course so if you choose to take part then please try to study the notes and be honest in your answers. It is the only way to learn! Note:  If you intend to use Artificial Intelligence tools to help you fulfill any of the course’s requirements, you are expected to adhere to our AI policy. You can read it here. [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/AnnouncementsandUpdates_2197/7CupsAcademysAIPolicy_326219/] ------------------------- This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/]. Note added on March 26, 2024
positivePumpkin22 profile picture
7 Cups Academy Leadership Development Program(LDP) Mentors Availability Updates
by positivePumpkin22
Last post
 February 20th
...See more NOTE: Please don't post to this thread. Subscribe to this thread and you will get a notification when we update this thread. Hey there! Here is a list of all the Leadership Development Program (LDP) mentors that we will regularly update. You can check here to see who is available for what leadership role and what coursework role. You can reach out to them during your LDP journey for any questions accordingly. At 7cups we encourage breaks, as self-care is a priority, therefore from time to time our LDP Mentors go on breaks, so this post will keep you up to date with these changes. If you don't see a name in the list, that means they are no longer LDP mentor. LDP Mentors who are ACTIVE are colored green, while those who are ON-BREAK are colored red. If a mentor is marked green and they do not respond to you within 3 days, please let me [https://www.7cups.com/@FrenchToastClub] know. All of our active LDP mentors are expected to keep up a 3 day response time. ---> Provide positive or constructive feedback about any academy mentor you have interacted with through the 7 Cups Academy Mentor Review form. 📞Open the mentor review form here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2XnrHWY9kCWIuRyfrEyODlTnHTJOnk0HQ22orLGRneCorVg/viewform] ---> Acknowledge/appreciate a mentor's work by nominating them for an Academy Award.  🏆Open Academy Awards nomination form here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEZIVi3mnziP54xaUoWYZVzI5Xmzg_BcNpKwdE_ac-Hr7BSA/viewform] ________________________________________________________________________________________________ What can an LDP mentor help you with? Any LDP mentor is available to help you with coursework or a leadership role that they specialize in. They can also answer any general LDP guidance, questions, or concerns. They can provide you with resources. That being said, you will still be responsible to submit everything in time according to the deadlines that are set. What can an LDP mentor leader help you with? They have specific responsibilities and are only available in regard to their own tasks like leadership role update or answering questions about any mentor roles that qualify for passing with honors in the LDP. What can an LDP Ambassador help you with? They are available to help you with any graduation-related queries or any certification-related questions. You can also contact them regarding mentor feedback [https://forms.gle/M3DWVWUEbrc52Nir8], badges, extension/contraction of LDP requirements, and overall general guidance. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Mentor List: ➡ yourbuddy30 [https://www.7cups.com/@yourbuddy30] (Adults and Teens) ➡ awesomeForever34 [https://www.7cups.com/@awesomeForever34] (Adults) ➡ rkive0777  [https://www.7cups.com/@rkive0777](Adults) ➡ TovaCares76  [https://www.7cups.com/@TovaCares76](Adults) Mentor Leader: ➡ KellyBx [https://www.7cups.com/@KellyBx] (Adults) ______________________________________________________________________________________ LDP Ambassador(s): ➡ positivePumpkin22 [https://www.7cups.com/@positivePumpkin22] (Adults and Teens) ------------------------- Join the 7 Cups Academy Mentor Team Here! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/academy/AcademyTeam_2313/Applytobecomeamentorwith7CupsAcademy_303162/]
GlenM profile picture
Leadership Oath
by GlenM
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more The Leadership Oath is an honorific oath that you take as a leader once you have started the Leadership Development Program and completed one course in the program. This commitment to leadership in undertaking the LDP is important because it suggests you are committed to increasing your skills and leveling up your commitment to our community. It also suggests that you deeply care for others and that serving to others is a key part of your identity. If you have enrolled in the LDP, and you have completed at least one course, and you want to make this commitment, then please do the following. Below this post, type out the leadership oath below. Do not cut and paste it. Typing it helps you really think through what you are committing to. Next, at the bottom, sign it with your listener name like this: My (GlenM's) Leadership Oath: Leadership Oath I pledge a moral oath before the 7 Cups community and fellow leaders, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfill to the best of my ability and judgment this covenant and undertaking. I will use my gifts, strengths, and talents to serve the 7 Cups community. I will work alongside other leaders and staff to make a measurable impact in my track or domain. I will treat others with dignity and respect. I will not disparage other people or 7 Cups. I will practice high warmth and high expectations for others; this means that I will care deeply for them and I will also expect them to try hard and put in real work that has a tangible impact. I will expect the same from myself and I will hold myself accountable. I will work hard to listen to constructive criticism and feedback. I will strive to look at my own challenges as opportunities to grow and learn as a leader. I will recognize when I don't know something and will ask for help when I need it. I will know my own abilities and limitations. I will grow in knowledge, understanding, and skill, to work collaboratively with leaders and staff. I will continue to try hard and work with perseverance, especially when things are difficult, challenging or uncertain. I will demonstrate teamwork and flexibility by sharing projects and responsibilities with my fellow leaders and understanding that we are working toward a common goal. I understand that I am a leader and I am a part of something bigger than myself. I am honored to serve the 7 Cups community. I will keep this promise as a person of integrity and as a leader, and I will do everything in my power to facilitate the strengthening of other leaders and the broader 7 Cups community. Signed: //GlenM// ------------------------- This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
Heather225 profile picture
Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #2) Service Leadership at 7 Cups
by Heather225
Last post
 February 28th
...See more 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. - 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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servant_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 -  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!  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 [https://www.7cups.com/listener/listenerMentors.php] or sign up for listener coaching [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7iMwmOfMPM1KTSjFz3OTPFDOF30agKeBeahUl5cj5f8ahKQ/viewform]. 5. Once you feel comfortable with your area of attention, apply for the appropriate mentor track. - 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderDiscussion3TheDetrimentsofGossip_227779/1/]! 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
Heather225 profile picture
Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #5) Approaching Conflict Resolution: Dealing with Issues Directly
by Heather225
Last post
 February 22nd
...See more 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. - Any  community is going to go through challenges and sometimes people are going to be in conflict with one another or have disagreements. All of that is okay and should be welcomed and even expected. The trick is to figure out what is the best way to address these issues so that we can continue to grow individually and as a community. Most ethical codes for professions recommend approaching the person that you have an issue with to try to resolve it with them first. If you feel safe and comfortable, then that is the best way to go. Here are some other helpful guidelines for conflict resolution brought to you by @Tazzie (original post [https://www.7cups.com/forum/SafetyKnowledgeat7Cups_181/ConflictResolutionQuestionshowtosandmore_1372/ConflictResolutionTips_167942/])! â  Step back and slow down â  Avoid repeating unhelpful behaviors in conflicts. â  Habits can be changed through awareness. â  Think before you put your words across in order to avoid something that will escalate the conflict. â  Show clarity regarding your intentions and goals for the conversation â  Avoid blaming or changing another person's point of view. â  Listen to learn something new and express your views and feelings professionally. â  Avoid assumptions and ask questions to explore the other persons story â  Listen to the person on the opposite end as they will more likely try to understand you. â  Do not convince them you are right. â  Be aware of potential barriers to listening. â  Express your feelings without holding the other person accountable for the conflict â  Use I statements to express yourself. â  State a feeling rather than judging. â  Be responsible for your assumptions â  On the internet, messages can be interpreted in several ways. To think that your beliefs and conclusions about  others are the truth, will only escalate the conflict. â  Share your interpretation of the messages received. â  Find a common ground â Reaching a common ground will make it easier to resolve the conflict and will diffuse defensiveness. - Question time! 1.) Have you ever been on either side of conflict resolution situation? How did you resolve it? 2.)  Can you think of any tips  we haven't listed to facilitate healthy conflict-resolution? After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderDiscussion6HowtoAcceptFeedback_226958/1/]! 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
Heather225 profile picture
Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #4) What is Triangulation? 3 Steps to Avoiding & Stopping & Take the Oath!
by Heather225
Last post
 February 22nd
...See more 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. - What is Triangulation? Let's call you Person A. Now, you have a problem with Person B and really dont know what to do about it. You go to Person C to discuss it. This is triangulation, when a problem between 2 people comes to involved a 3rd person unnecessarily. The triangulation process can happen in all relationships. Let's say someone is offended by another user. Triangulation can be very tempting, but it ultimately only ends up negatively impacting all involved. Having clear, calm, and honest conversation is challenging and requires you to overcome your fears, but, when done right, it positively impacts all involved. At times a person doesn't realize that some words or phrases may seem intimidating to another person.We all come from different backgrounds thus it is important for us to support each other. Why is triangulation unhelpful? Because it perpetuates the spread of information, which can be hurtful to those involved. It lends itself to rumor spreading and it takes a private situation between two users and exposes it to more people. What should you do if someone comes to you for support on something which occurred in the community? 1) Never share the names of another user 2) Never share specific details of a chat with another user 3) If someone wants to share with you, please say this: "I am sorry this happened! Sounds like a challenging situation. As to avoid triangulation, it would be best for you to practice conflict resolution with that person. If conflict resolution is not possible, please let a community manager know by filing a L-L report. Please do not share this situation with other users as to preserve confidentiality. Special note: You should avoid triangulation with all other users, including mentors, group mods, peer supporters, mentor leaders and ambassadors. Any time a situation cannot be worked out via conflict resolution, please file a L-L report. Taking responsibility for our actions: Take the Pledge! As a listener in our community, it is your responsibility to stop triangulation when you see it or are invited to participate in it. Doing this will keep our community healthy and moving in a positive direction. I challenge you all to take the Avoiding Triangulation Pledge: "In all of my interactions on 7 Cups, I will work to maintain healthy relationships and a supportive environment by stopping the spread of rumors and misinformation. I will maintain professionalism by not involving myself in conversations or situations which do not include me or require my presence." Signed: Heather225 8//6//20 After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderDiscussion5ApproachingConflictResolutionDealingwithIssuesDirectly_226957/1/]! 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
Heather225 profile picture
Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #3) The Detriments of Gossip
by Heather225
Last post
 February 22nd
...See more 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. - Our next objective in this course is to master effective communication skills for healthy interpersonal and professional relationships. Please watch this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxWg-utiOj0] 1. Why is gossiping bad? 2. List a statement you learned from this video to stop gossiping in the replies! 3. 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderDiscussion4WhatisTriangulation3StepstoAvoidingStoppingTaketheOath_227780/1/]! 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
Heather225 profile picture
Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #1) Welcome to Course 2!
by Heather225
Last post
 February 22nd
...See more 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. - Congrats! You made it the second course in the LDP! In this course, we focus on the specific interpersonal skills needed to be a strong leader on 7 Cups, including mastery of communication skills, time management, conflict resolution, stress management and empowering new leaders. I know if you are here, you have read our values and culture guide. I would like to start off by further emphasizing one value that's required for a leader to be successful here, and that is balancing High Expectations & High Warmth. Work environments with high expectations and minimal warmth tend to result in companies that are very driven, rule-oriented and risk-averse. The people do not tend to grow as much personally or professionally. On the other hand, workplaces that are high in warmth, but have minimal expectations, tend to struggle. Everyone is happy and feels loved, but not a lot of effective or focused work gets done. 7 Cups is high expectations AND high warmth. We expect a lot from you. You might feel like we think you are more capable than other people have suggested or maybe even more capable than how you see yourself. That is okay. Every person on the team has outperformed and done better than they expected. This is largely because warmth, patience, and trust help people make much more progress than they have in other environments. We have high expectations, but we will provide plenty of encouragement and guidance to help you get there. - Question: What do you think happens if you, a 7 Cups leader, have an imbalance of expectations and warmth? How do you think having too low of expectations, or too little warmth, will impact 1.) the community, and 2.) impact how you work with your fellow leaders? 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderDiscussion2ServiceLeadershipat7Cups_226951/1/]! 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
GlenM profile picture
Understanding 7 Cups Culture (LDP Discussion #5)
by GlenM
Last post
 February 21st
...See more Please note: In order to successfully complete Course 1, you must respond to this post. Your comment/response should answer the questions/shows that you completed the given activity. 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. - 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/ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English]) is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behavior [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_behavior] and norms [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm_(social)] found in human [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human] societies [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Society], as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.[1] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture#cite_note-tyor1871-1] 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 [https://www.7cups.com/about/values.php] and mission [https://www.7cups.com/forum/GlensNook_84/OurVisionforaBetterWorld_334/OurMission_18219/1/] 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 [https://www.7cups.com/about/culture.php] 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 [https://www.7cups.com/about/culture.php] and why they are important to you. After posting, please... 1. Take the [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoXfkBvwYJ3VjBmPZmOIPL3z34m0CaBetFXQUjCVgsrguLCQ/viewform]course exam [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfoXfkBvwYJ3VjBmPZmOIPL3z34m0CaBetFXQUjCVgsrguLCQ/viewform] here to complete course 1. 2. Take the leadership oath here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/ListenerLearningJourney_149/TheOfficial7CupsLeadershipDevelopmentProgram_2093/LeadershipOath_226480/] 3. Fill out the End of Trial [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdz0Grk6JWr2J41carEjC7M1kztdMXBHAYC6wsvCIjakZJVhg/viewform] form to complete your trial! 4. Proceed to Course 2! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderDiscussion1WelcometoCourse2_226948/1/] ------------------------- This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
GlenM profile picture
PL 101: Introduce Yourself! (Discussion 1)
by GlenM
Last post
 June 6th, 2025
...See more Welcome to our first course in the Leadership Development Program! I am very excited to get this going. This has been something we've wanted to do for the last several months and at long last it is here. Please find the course description below. Please also introduce yourself and let us (if comfortable) where you are from and a recent book or movie you have enjoyed. I'll get us started! Course Description: You have personal gifts and strengths that can help you in life and also help other people. Identifying, amplifying, and deliberately building those strengths enables you to have a better personal life, professional life, and also enables you to more effectively serve others in our community. People sometimes make the mistake of focusing too much on their weaknesses. This can help, but deliberately building your strengths will get you much further in life and in your career. This course provides links to personality testing (MBTI, Big 5) where you can learn to identify your personality style and strengths. It helps you understand how to match your strengths to roles in the 7 Cups community and enables you to find a career path that will be fulfilling. Join other new leaders in individual and group learning exercises. Please note: In order to successfully complete the LDP, you must respond to all discussion posts. 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. After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course1PersonalLeadership101_2125/PL101UnderstandingYourGiftsandStrengthsfromtheMBTIDiscussion2_225027/]! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course1PersonalLeadership101_2125/PL101UnderstandingYourGiftsandStrengthsfromtheMBTIDiscussion2_225027/1/] 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
GlenM profile picture
PL 101: The Big 5 (Discussion 3)
by GlenM
Last post
 April 27th, 2025
...See more Please note: In order to successfully complete Course 1, 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. - Hello Leadership Crew! I am having a blast with you all. This leadership program is a lot of fun and Im glad we are doing it. I think itll help across many fronts. Shout out to @aleks2 and @quietmagic for their help looking at the first batch of results on our leadership composition. ÃÂ Here is a summary: Here is a summary from @quietmagic on what our collective - all of us together - strengths and weaknesses might be: Leadership Crew Strengths: Altruism/motivation: Having a deep passion for helping people that drives all we do and creates a feeling of purpose and meaning Idealism: Having inspiring dreams and visions of just how unbelievably powerful and beneficial this site can be: imagining all of the good we might be able to create, all of the suffering we might be able to help heal Kindness: Being able to create a kind, cooperative, culture that is gentle and considerate with people's feelings Compassion: Being able to understand, connect with, and feel an urgency to resolve the needs, concerns, or problems of the people that we serve Relationship: Feeling a yearning for deep, meaningful connections with others, creating a community where people are able to be authentic and feel a sense of belongingness Leadership Crew Weaknesses Practical implementation: Developing and optimizing systems, managing the fine details for concretely achieving our broad goals Risk-taking: Being willing to take risks or make drastic changes to existing systems/practices where needed The above analysis feels/seems right to me. This new leadership program in fact can be seen as one way that we are attempting to address a growth area by optimizing our leadership systems! And, zooming back, if there was going to be a team of people that was going to try to pull off the impossible (a free emotional support system), then I think itd be with the leadership composition described above under strengths. Itll take a lot of optimism and kindness to make this a reality! Okay, lets transition to the next exercise and discussion. Begin by taking the Big 5 [https://www.outofservice.com/bigfive/] test and answering the following questions. You can also read more on the Big 5 here [https://www.verywellmind.com/the-big-five-personality-dimensions-2795422] ÃÂ and below. 1. What were the main things you learned about yourself? 2. What are your top 3 strengths according to this test? 3. How can the strengths you identified on both tests help you in your personal life? 4. How can the strengths you identified on both tests help you in a leadership role on 7 Cups and in your career? After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course1PersonalLeadership101_2125/PL101SystemsvsGoalsDiscussion4_225029/1/]! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course1PersonalLeadership101_2125/PL101SystemsvsGoalsDiscussion4_225029/1/] 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
GlenM profile picture
PL 101: Systems vs. Goals (Discussion 4)
by GlenM
Last post
 January 9th, 2025
...See more Please note: In order to successfully complete Course 1, 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. - Hello Leadership Crew! Welcome to our 4th discussion in this first course. In todays discussion, we will be talking about systems vs. goals. To start, please read this post here [https://jamesclear.com/goals-systems] Â and watch this video [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwcKTYvupJw]. The basic argument here is that having a system is better than having a goal. A system is a way of behaving that helps you move towards accomplishing something. A goal is usually and end state that happens after you have accomplished something. I think eating healthy is a good example. A goal might be to lose 10 pounds. In this case, you feel kind of bad about yourself until you hit that goal; and then, once you hit it, you kind of lose the purpose because the goal has been reached. If you relapse and gain wait again, then you fall back into feeling bad about yourself again. Contrast this with a system of eating healthy. A system might include things like: having a big glass of water prior to each meal; eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, and nuts; not eating after 9pm; and/or doing some level of intermittent fasting. You wouldnt integrate all of these new healthy eating behaviors at once. Instead, youd gradually introduce one and then another and then another over whatever period of time makes sense. The system enables you to continuously get healthier and healthier. You will eventually reach the goal, but itll be the byproduct of eating healthy. Another example might be education. I dont really care all that much about grades for my kids. I mostly want them to learn and enjoy learning. We talk about what they learn, we draw things, they make their own educational videos, they explain things to me in their own words etc. I want them to have a system of learning and refining their perspective on things. If they have this system, then having good grades will be a natural result of enjoying learning. This also has implications for 7 Cups as well. We might have goals of having a certain amount of group support messages or 1:1 messages. Those are fine goals to have, but we mostly want to create a system of support where people care for one another and then the natural result is an increased number of messages. Or, zooming back, think about this leadership development program. We could have an arbitrary goal of training a certain number of new leaders to serve our community; or we can co-create a system - this leadership development program - that helps people become leaders. The natural consequence of the program will be a higher number of trained, competent, and strong leaders that can better support our community. Â What is a key system that you need to set up in your life to help you succeed? What are 3 behaviors you can implement to help you gradually grow that new system in your life? After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next post here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course1PersonalLeadership101_2125/Understanding7CupsCultureLDPDiscussion5_226478/1/]! 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
Heather225 profile picture
Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #10) Diversity, Cultural Differences, and Second Language Learners
by Heather225
Last post
 February 12th, 2024
...See more 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. We are truly lucky to have a global community, rich in background and culture. In order to nurture our diverse community, we should each make a conscious effort to understand each other. The more we know, the more mindful we can be of one another's differences. Please read this insightful doc [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xCR4XASHGjNN4lUXTAhPBsgTsDWSQ41AZiT48SbQtjM/edit] written for us by @Hope. Questions: Please list some advantages of a diverse team. How can we be respectful of different cultures on 7 Cups? Activity: Please reply to 3 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words! After fulfilling the requirements of this post, [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderDiscussion11AvoidingBurnout_227937/1/]please check out the next post here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderDiscussion11AvoidingBurnout_227937/1/]! 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 [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].
Heather225 profile picture
Course 2: Becoming a 7 Cups Leader - (Discussion #11) Avoiding Burnout
by Heather225
Last post
 February 12th, 2024
...See more 7 Cups is founded on a community of passionate volunteers who lovingly dedicate their time to providing support. You may face what is called burnout during your journey. You may have already faced this in your real life. Burnout is very real and must be recognized. You can't help fuel someone else when your tank is empty, after all! To address and learn about burnout, we have created a slidedeck on how to avoid burnou [https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Cn4qDGLC7-8JI_MkUP3GNBKMEsYDwGO7MbA2Fa7ozL4/edit#slide=id.p]t. Activity: Please read it through and in the replies, tell us what you learned, and what you will do to stay healthy and avoid burnout! Then, please reply to 3 of your peers in this thread with encouraging or supportive words! After completing the course quiz, please proceed to this post! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/Course2Becominga7CupsLeader_2126/Course2Becominga7CupsLeaderCourseQuiz_227979/] ------------------------- This post is brought to you by the Leadership Development Program Team, find out more information about the program here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/LeadershipDevelopmentProgram_202/LeadershipDevelopmentTrack_2138/LeadershipDevelopmentProgramUpdatesAnnouncement_230561/].

This is a sub-community for the Leadership Development Program. The program is designed to help you become a strong leader. Each course is created to get you to focus on the leader in you and to give you theoretical and practical knowledge of becoming a leader. It also teaches you interpersonal skills, problem-solving, building a community, and even basic leadership principles.

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