Leadership Lessons From Hermitcraft

Minecraft 1.20 Discussions Playlist ► • Minecraft Discussions
In this video, we discus how Hermitcraft is run and the lessons learned from my years working with the Hermits and other communities.
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Hermitcraft
💻 Website ► www.hermitcraft.com
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🛠 Hermitcraft Modpack ► www.curseforge.com/minecraft/...
Edited by LizardOfOz ► / @lizardofoz
Thumbnail Fan Art by
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00:00 Intro
00:58 A Brief History
02:10 Leadership
02:59 Expectations
03:50 Motivations
04:48 Create Your Own Community
05:37 My Journey
06:32 Organization
07:49 Communication
08:58 Decision Making
10:08 Recruitment & Departure
11:13 Transparency
11:54 Logic Servers
12:21 Whats Next?
#hermitcraft #minecraftserver #minecraftsmp

[@xisumavoid]

Get 20% off your order! Visit logicservers.com/xisuma . Thanks :-)

[@MrShrog]

Hello there X, i just wanted to ask, if i could play on the hermicraft server, because every hermit is on empire smp

[@Kuitehkui]

Was just about to fire up an ATM7 server with friends, gonna use this for sure!

[@MrShrog]

Hello there@@Kuitehkui, can i pls join ur server?

[@Kuitehkui]

@@MrShrog Private space only I'm afraid! But I do believe there are a few public ones out there!

[@jimmysirlonewolflauritsen1831]

Hi Xisuma I really love your videos, and watch most of the other Hermits videos too....and have been for years. And I know that you have nothing to do with the following, but I have to mention it... Clicking the link to Logic Servers brings us to their website, that states at the top "Promocode Xisuma has been activated, you will see 20% OFF at checkout!". As it should. The price show up as a discounted price at £7.04 for the Gold tier. But if you enter the website without you promo code, the price is £6,60 also for the Gold tier. Yes, you still save some money using you promo code, but not at all 20% but less. Just wanted to mention this in case you didn't know.

[@ZombieCleo]

There's a blast from the past. The fact that your particular role has changed so much never really occurred to me until now. I think you having less responsibility has been good for you and has let others find a place to speak up in rather than passively accept the consensus (I'm one of them). I think we're very lucky that no one actively wants control, we're too old ;)

[@alisongaffney374]

Xisuma is a amazing guy 😃.

[@rowanwax]

❤

[@AlexHM93]

Your never to old

[@E-er]

E

[@martijn9568]

"I think we're very lucky that no one actively wants control, we're too old" I think it's safe to say that that statement is irrelevant of age😅

[@ninjamagic004]

Hey X! Thanks for giving a shoutout to the Hermitcraft wiki! As the top editor and someone who has spent the past 2 years trying to make sure every Hermitcraft episode is cataloged on the wiki, it makes me happy to hear that our efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Great video, can't wait for number 3!

[@grutarg2938]

Hermitcraft Wiki is very helpful. I like the way you share what creators want to share and otherwise respect their privacy.

[@Jr837_]

Oh wow 2 years, congrats dude

[@ninjamagic004]

@@Jr837_ well... almost 2 years. Started in December 2020, but it was easier to round up lol

[@CivMicheals]

Probably the only time it would get noticed

[@Artzcy]

Great work ❤

[@MrFroggerGaming]

This is definately a very under talked about subject in and around the Minecraft KZbin space. I think everyone wants the "glamour" of a successful video/series/smp but don't want or don't understand the hard work that goes on behind closed doors. In the end I think Hermitcraft does so well because in the end there players are also good friends.

[@IanSlothieRolfe]

Thats a good point. Sometimes people forget that the point is to have fun playing the game, and if the group you gather together is right then maybe people will watch and enjoy the videos. If they don't, then at least you've had fun playing with friends and you don't have the pressure of the KZbin grind :)

[@tomsterbg8130]

Not just Minecraft, all leadership is like this. In the end the best and most loved leaders are the ones who don't lead alone. Mainly because as humans we make mistakes and it's important to see everyone's point of view to make certain decisions.

[@SuperMAZ007]

The problem I ran into when running a SMP was the lack of a team and despite how hard I tried I could not do everything myself. In that sense Xisuma is right clear communications and transparency is one of the key elements. If you have team members that are active and want to participate give them the chance. Even if they mess up sometimes they learn from that experience and try to be encouraging as a leader to them. If your with like minded friends and start as a small group it is easy to manage than having people in you don't know or that work against you. I think Hermitcraft success has been a multiplied combination of luck, good management and things aligning in favor for it.

[@Spider_venom64]

It's a common problem from me that people join and then just don't interact or even talk to others to know the group or as friends Then there is the life problem, people get busy but it's a sad tale to know that if one goes out all do so despite keeping a band together

[@simic0racle157]

@@Spider_venom64 The thing about hermitcraft that makes it work, is entry requirements: you don't apply you get invited. this simple thing insures that all members have an audience and thus a reason to come back everyday and be active, for many hermits its their income source.

[@Mestuff27]

My problem with running a server is I don't have any friends to play with me

[@Phrostbitex]

A lot of these leadership principles apply in real life as well. It's always great to get a different perspective on things and this video does a good job of highlighting that.

[@RandyPrimus]

Sometimes it is just having one person that not afraid to speak up to initiate the conversation, and then going the extra mile to take notes and listen to ensure others success. In return their success is your success, and the group as a whole is rewarded. Hermitcraft is that result of the extra mile. You should be proud as well as everyone else regarding your accomplishments, and hopefully you are able stop, smell the roses, and soak it all in.

[@CZilla57]

Great leadership advice! All of those same principles apply to any other leadership role as well whether work, sports, community, etc. Also nice to hear that you had to learn/develop these skills over the years and that they didnt just come naturally. I think that can helps others understand that great leadership comes from those willing to learn and admit mistakes. Thanks Xisuma, this series has been fantastic so far.

[@wondergal4729]

In Malcolm Gladwell's book, Outliers, he explains that the most successful people have been in the right place, right time and then took hold of that opportunity by putting hours upon hours into it. I believe Hermitcraft represents this concept well.

[@TheCanadianGamingPenguin]

7:40 - Loved that bit in the "log book." XD Grumbot must have spies....

[@rccubing907]

And if the log book is true We can see 2 new hermits in S10.

[@Craftidore]

@@rccubing907 let me just say, your comment aged incredibly well.

[@SpruceOaks]

One thing I've noticed since about Season 5 is that all of the Hermits have been implementing aspects of improv comedy - so I'm pretty sure you all must have taken a course in how to execute that successfully. You've all done such a really great job of interacting with and supporting each other since then and it is really impressive. It really boosted content quality.

[@Fathom_YT]

I've experienced the negatives of trying to run an SMP and I find this to be very helpful. Communication is ALWAYS the hardest and most challenging part. Thank you for this great video.

[@chimeradev]

This was a good interesting video X! It's interesting to see how you think of your path in Hermitcraft not only as a player, but as the admin of the server/group. Something i've personally have never thought as a server admin is the "playing" and "being active" part of it, as I've always been a out-of-game administrator for some servers, and it's interesting how, looking back at your channel, all makes sense now! Thanks for sharing your thoughs and process, it's really interesting!

[@kimtae858]

I remember a convention panel with some gaming personalities a few years back, one of the content creators was asked to divulge the one thing new creators need to become as big as the youtube heavy hitters of the day. His answer: a time machine. First-to-market is an incredible thing. It turns an uphill, soul-destroying grind into just keeping momentum going. Starting right now, I don't think you'd have anywhere near the success over 10 years that people celebrating their 10th+ year on youtube have enjoyed.

[@GSBarlev]

I wouldn't be surprised if it were simply an artistic choice, but I deeply enjoyed the visual that Hermitcraft administrative meetings happen _in game_ and not over zoom or discord.

[@Adam.L02]

This server is definitely magical and inspiring

[@alangreyson2556]

Who else to give us the best Minecraft leadership lesson than Xisuma, the OG Minecrafter and the leader of Hermitcraft himself? Thank you for the video X :)

[@Zyrexia]

Xisuma a few days back: Minecraft is releasing new default skins Xisuma now: *represents audience with steve skins

[@EliasPlaceDE]

Make this a meme pls

[@DonutMT]

@@EliasPlaceDE nah

[@MGAMinecraftGamersAdda121]

@@DonutMT lol

[@outcast4087]

Because Steve is classic.

[@brycewilson1741]

Steve will always be the default skin in our hearts and minds.

[@sleepyghostproductions7529]

So thankful to those og hermits who stuck with it and created the groundwork for the amazing community we have now!

[@miliham]

OMG, its so awesome seeing the old footage. seeing former members who aren't around anymore

[@Biscuitsdefortune]

Yes, transparency and communication are my number one rules when working in a cooperative. We don't take decision without everybody involved, we always work by consensus and we respect that not everybody wants the same thing as us but there is always a place for everyone for their own little project inside the bigger one when they don't feel the need to join X or Y work. It takes more time (we have a 2 hour meeting every week) but everyone knows what's up, can be part of the decision and we don't form smaller group that, with time, stop talking to each other and lors communication over time that I saw happen so many times in other group. We also try to balance "fun" work with "boring" work for everybody so that there is not someone stuck with a task that nobody wants while another have all the "fun" tasks. I could spend hours talking about the benefits of those, but talk to each other with everyone involve, trust me, if there is someone not working, ruining the project or "plotting" against the group, you'll find it very quick and we'll be able to handle it collectively without anyone having to take side or things escalading quickly and threatening the whole project.

[@IVA_education-V30]

Another wonderful video! Thank you Xisuma!

[@Melanie_M]

Loving this trilogy! It's so interesting to hear about your experience and gained wisdom over the years of Hermitcraft! :)

[@wernt0]

Seeing this reminded me of all the old Hermits like DMac, Biffa and even Mariland even though he was only briefly part of it

[@dazzmead007]

Really enjoyed this one, it's really interesting having a sort of behind the scenes look at hermitcraft server and it members and inner workings 👍

[@MrCanKnotNot]

Honestly I love these types of videos taking a look back and sharing how to help is the biggest part of what I enjoy . I thank you for taking the time to explain these concepts and help so much by explaining how it works . To be honest there was a group where I was promoted as group leader and I didn't like it at all and when the server was closed for a month a new group formed when the old group started to fade and we decided to merge groups . Eventually the leaders of that group invited a few friends and I got pretty much bullied out . I am now an admin on several discord servers and am working on a big project with a large name in the genre it is in and this video actually came at a right time and may help get it done ! Thanks again for the insight and tips

[@Not_Pilky]

What a fantastic video. It speaks far beyond just minecraft but to life itself. Good on you X for this.

[@calvinhall8882]

Wow this is an excellent video on sound leadership principles, Xisuma. Thank you for the communication tips - I will try to implement them in my own communities.

[@Aenyn]

Great advice! These are very applicable to leading teams in any environment/medium.

[@secondengineer9814]

It's always awesome to hear such mature and well thought out lessons from Xisuma! I'm always super impressed with the success he has deservedly achieved!

[@dallonrobbins5078]

This video has helped me remember things I have gathered from other sources but never put them into full effect. I not only want to strengthen my server, but other areas of my life as well. So glad you decided to do this mini series. They are the videoes I didn't know I needed.

[@Frrk]

Props for the creative clips illustrating your points! And good advice for the irl world as well imo!

[@GrouchyHaggis]

Good vid X, great words of wisdom. Can confirm everything you said, having lead groups in the past myself. Loving this behind the scenes series.

[@daniellerose2570]

These videos have helped a lot. I run a small mc server for a discord group im in and these videos have helped give me a better perspective on how things should be tackled. This one was especially helpful, thank you!!

[@nickcarnahan5042]

I've really enjoyed these types of videos as it has helped me to better understand how to run my own server. Thank you X for your wisdom and knowledge.

[@usr3652]

I absolutly love this mini serien!

[@Luukskywalker]

This is very inspiring X, I am going to use these advices. Have a nice day!

[@54m0h7]

The message of communication is really key to so many things, from relationships to project management and leadership. I've only been watching HC since the end of season 7, but I am absolutely in love with the content and the community. I have been playing on one of the patreon servers (Rendogs), and frequent the sub-Reddit very often. It is fantastic to get this insight into the behind the scenes of HC. I hope all of you have continued success for years to come.

[@generalross]

Maybe one day I’m able to do such a good job of leading and / or making a team of passionate mincrafters work, like you Xisuma! As a young channel I’m very happy to have you as someone to lookup to if it comes to steering a community and making it work as a well oiled machine. All the hermits are a inspiration to me. Hope to meet you all one day

[@natthesquirrel]

Love this insight! Thanks X!

[@corydowey2013]

Big fan X! Keep up the amazing work.

[@buzzvanti]

YESS IM LOVING THIS 3 PART VIDEO SERIES SO FAR

[@Nils456]

This is soooo good, thank u X

[@cenedraleaheldra5275]

I have only been watching Hermits for like 2 or 3 years. You yourself are a wonderful leader. You have a wonderful soul and a loving heart.

[@keileon20]

I appreciate your openness with everything. Even when you have made mistakes your ownership of it is amazing. Truly a unique human and one of the better ones on this planet.

[@TiggerBlueMom]

A couple of years ago a few of us took over the admin for the server we play on to keep it going. Much of what you say in this video rings very true with me. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@QueroJogarUmJogo]

Thanks Xisuma. I am currently running a SMP with other content creators and this video helped and inspired me so much to continue doing my best!

[@holocrossing1358]

Thanks for helping make hermitcraft special!

[@ulkas_stuff]

This video is very well made, pleasing to watch :D

[@lanefaulhaber875]

This is an invaluable video on leadership! Thank you for your example.

[@harbardthewanderer9151]

I got a realm with the intent of inviting strangers to start an "smp" style server. But it sounds challenging at best with friends let alone people you don't know. Not enough friends play with any regularly.

[@boon_choom]

This is a great video especially at the time in my life where I am beginning to take on more responsibility! I want to be a leader without ruling 'with an iron fist' so thanks for the useful tips X :D

[@salemoleander]

I really like the advice about a successful SMP/ community depending on engagement, not aiming for that 1-in-a-million success! I've found nothing kills a project or creative endeavor faster than people only wanting to do it for fame or personal glory. That motivation burns up quickly

[@extracheddar]

Great video X, very well done and cool to see a little behind the curtain

[@eddiemeadows2095]

so insightful. thanks xisuma

[@marshy_5406]

Honestly, this video taught me more than the leadership club I was in lol

[@c0d3ster]

Thanks for doing what you do!

[@AgentNyo]

This series is great, I've been looking for something this deep of a dive into running a community and server and finally someone on youtube has delivered and it's none other than xisuma himself! Keep it up! Edit: I've encountered many problems that you mention in the video with a small server i help to run, and again this series is teaching me many things i can put towards our next SMP! Thank you for creating this

[@shavranotheferanox7809]

Why does this video make me feel emotional? This is just too wholesome

[@ChadGouldtheNerd]

I appreciate you and this video. Know, we see what you do. Keep up the fantastic work. The piece on the art of compromise is clutch, that goes so very far in group dynamics PS I miss the tea eaters

[@LoereDami]

actual good leadership mindset

[@1foxtrotfan907]

Xisuma, this was very well written. So well done to you. Easily understandable, interesting and informational. The only thing that I feel is concerning is the part about the well wishing of hermits if they decide to depart from Hermitcraft. Not that I wouldn't wish them anything negative I just feel lately that one is going to do just that and oh my how much would I miss the reason I started watching you all in the first place. But nevermind to my hopefully paranoid thinking. Thanks for taking the time to explain some of more of what goes on behind the scenes on HC. And it was so wonderful to hear you are making music again I hope you continue always. I also enjoyed your stream today. littleindian

[@KITH808]

Not only is this good advice for a "leadership" role, it's also good advice in how to work with others and just be a good team player. Excellent video!

[@showbitz1]

You know what Iike about you, is your insight and ability to look at both perspectives of a situation, whether it's hermitcraft or real world stuff.

[@hermitcollector]

Hermitcraft is just special. In every way. And I can't imagine my life without it. That's thanks to you and all the Hermits who have contributed to keeping the server alive! :)

[@groverwatch2171]

This is a wonderful video, and as someone who's been in a few leadership positions before, I completely agree that communication is vital when keeping a project or community together. There is something I've been wondering, though. I know that Hermitcraft is specifically a minecraft thing, and I'm not sure how well the format would be kept outside of that medium, but do you think there are other games that might be able to fit the style and community of hermitcraft? Not to say that I'm at all dissatisfied with minecraft, y'all find new ways to amaze me every episode, but it has been something that's been on my mind.

[@mysticalmaid]

Words of wisdom from "Daddy 'Xuma" 😄 It's an interesting topic that people often seem to be curious about, a lot of people think being the boss is more fun than it really is, not everyone is cut out for it but it sounds like you've done a fair job. Shared responsibility sounds like it's working well for your group so far and long may that continue.

[@sebastianthegoat4265]

Those are some BEAUTIFUL fanart!

[@T_xicc]

I watched this video as if my morning news paper. Even though I won't bother making a server it's good to have knowledge about this kinds of topics and be open minded for people's perspectives.

[@squisheey4270]

7:41 omg the lore! Thats how Mumbo run the mayoral race in the alternative universe!

[@squisheey4270]

Grian failed Grumbot in the universe where Mumbo won so Grumbot used EvilXisuma to get Mumbo the dub

[@simontrudel2457]

I rarely comment on videos, but I must say I really enjoyed this video. In my opinion and based upon my past experiences in leadership roles in various communities, I agree with the advice and tone with which the subject is being brought. I also really enjoyed how it is also relevant to anyone who is in experienced in a leadership role as it can also serve to remind us to not lose our focus on the direction a gaming community should take. Truly, you have my thanks for a genuinely well made video whose topic transcends Minecraft.

[@iplaysb]

Great advice. Ty

[@christopherweaver8601]

Great video =D i believe it was very informative and it caught my eye

[@Klayperson]

thanks for teach us about the Learn Improve Grow Management Approach (LIGMA)

[@INGIE32]

11:44 That little Xisuma is really adorable.

[@defeatSpace]

Good stuff, thanks X.

[@ris_kis]

Thanks for the interesting video, Xisuma.

[@Gaston-Melchiori]

5:30 exactly, whatever you are doing, if you are doing it to complete an objective its going to feel like a task, like an obligation, do it because of the enjoyment you get from it, if you don't see it as enjoyble, find a way to make it more fun to do.

[@geographicallymapping3948]

I’ve realised that every SMP is just a huge social experiment.

[@Kiwimarauder]

Maybe one of my favourite talks yet! Would be awesome to dive deeper into some of the concepts, you dont want to do a podcast, do you, X? Cheers, Kiwi

[@averagezing]

Hey X! All of the points in this video are so important -- not just in minecraft. It's so good to hear all of this publicized in a space that's often led by an owner without any community feedback. Also, this may, or may not, be the place for a comment like this, but I think it's an important note. I absolutely ADORE the content that comes from all the tweaks that are made to hermitcraft each season! It makes all the hermits have fun, and as viewers we love watching it. That said, one of the things that pulls a lot of people to hermitcraft is that it feels "replicable". Not necessarily "vanilla", but *replicable*. Hermit content is at its peak right now, absolutely! But replicability is a bit lower, with mega builds and a bunch of custom models. I think this could be improved by publicizing as many mods and tweaks as possible via the website -- and best of all the custom music, models, and art (but I know this is the hardest thing as they're all from different sources, with different copyrights, and constantly changing). If all of this is publicized, I think people will feel like things are just as replicable as before -- even as it's "less vanilla" in some people's eyes! Thanks for reading if you did :)

[@knowbrainer233]

X, you definitely stepped up as leader, but really, I think you're the heart of Hermitcraft.

[@SirHerou]

Slipg8tr & Zueljin… omg that bringa back memories! Get the back X! 😊

[@mudyfunkster4718]

Great vid !

[@blaqice5075]

Xisuma, you're awesome! HermitCraft is awesome! It's inspired me to create my own series called "Blocks and Cubes" and see the creativity of those who play with me. "Blocks and Cubes" has also brought in "Cubes of Friendship" and "Blocks of Chaos", where my character has a background story as to why I'm BlaQice and where I come from. It also helps me write my books. So with that, stay frosty and stay safe!

[@rowboata7351]

Hi X, thanks for sharing your experience. In future eppisode could you discuss the legal and commercial structures that should be considered when setting up.

[@alexeyvolin4263]

Man, Xisuma must be a super chill boss

[@knus1959]

Practice makes perfect. :) And yes, you will bring out the best in a group by cooperating and delegating responsibility. :)

[@valentino549]

damn what a philosopher. Great video and great words

[@derianvandalsen]

For some reason, my mind kept going back to McKay's bit on leadership (Stargate Atlantis)

[@vsoarece5351]

This video simply represents thousands of self development books that all are so good yet they take 1 year to read but compressed in a 10 min vid. Thanks X for opening my mind more.

[@headstanding_Penguin]

More often than not, those who are thrown into the role of leadership out of necessity rather than having seeked power, are the better leaders.

[@horseswan]

Xisuma you are brilliant

[@aaro_n]

That was the slickest sponsor spot I've seen in a while! Lol

[@bunyan4.20]

What i love to think would happen to Hermitcraft since it is such a great server and just community of people and friends having fun that even far in to the future when maybe Xisuma or some of the older Hermits that have been here forever and since the start that people like Mumbo Grian Jem Pearl and the rest would keep it going forever and bring in new people and Hermitcraft will live on forever that would be my wish because they are a awesome group of people love the video Xisuma can not wait for part 3

[@POSprincess91]

I have all of these things in a bedrock server, but only a handful of us make videos. But either way it’s been great I’ve been here two years and the world never resets

[@jessefraser9826]

Create was featured in the video-its pretty interesting that it was debated.

[@realphillipcarter]

Setting up my own community server right now with some friends and small content creators, and this is a video I will be referring them to. My goal is not to make any money or have a big audience, but to have fun. Broadcasting our adventures and getting ideas from comments will just be a part of that fun, and maybe we'll find new friends along the way

[@eternitymine6847]

Xisuma is right that It is so important to be a part of what you lead... in anything. If you are not present, how can you expect people to follow? The expectations you set influence a lot more than you realize.

[@liveleakman]

Your comment about including mods got me wondering. Is there any plan on starting up a modded hermitcraft server? After seeing the crossover going as well as it is with empires SMP, I’d think an empires-esque modded series could be fun