Best Practices
How to perform at your very best while being yourself as a moderator
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How to perform at your very best while being yourself as a moderator
Balancing fun and professionalism is essential, as we set the tone for our community while managing conflicts and upholding rules. We do not want to police our moderator’s behaviour, however moderators must still maintain a level of professionalism as we are to serve as role models for our members. This involves following and respecting the server guidelines, enforcing rules consistently and using your best judgement in all situations.
Staff confidentiality is critical; moderators have access to private or sensitive information about both the server’s users and the server itself. These must be kept private and are only to be shared within the team.
Community engagement is a vital part of a moderator’s role, as active participation helps build a welcoming community. By being present in chat, moderators not only stay connected with the community but also become approachable figures, making users more likely to seek help or report issues. However, with this active presence comes the responsibility of being mindful of biases. Moderators need to recognize and set aside personal preferences to enforce rules fairly, especially when handling disputes or addressing behavior in which they may have a personal stake.
Engaging in internal moderator discussions is crucial, as it allows moderators to voice concerns, collaborate on solutions, and maintain a balanced perspective. Disagreement is natural and can even strengthen discussions, but moderators are expected to remain respectful - especially when tensions arise. Recognizing personal biases helps moderators remain fair, ensuring they enforce rules without letting personal views influence decisions.
This open dialogue ensures you can approach decisions with a collective mindset rather than individual biases, helping to maintain an impartial, respectful atmosphere that aligns with the community’s values.
We can not force everyone to be best friends, however as a moderator you are expected to show team solidarity - even when you have a different opinion. Disagreements should be handled privately and with respect to avoid public misunderstandings. This approach helps to build trust within the team, as everyone feels secure knowing that issues will be handled discreetly and with professionalism. When moderators support each other openly and communicate honestly, they set a strong example of teamwork and integrity, which reflects positively on the community they serve.
Practicing self-care is essential for maintaining both mental and physical well-being. Take time to focus on activities that sustain you, whether it’s through exercise, mindfulness, hobbies etc. Making self-care a regular part of our routine empowers us to manage challenges more effectively and to live with greater balance, positivity, and fulfillment.