Take a Seat

Now that you have a seat at the table, what are you going to do?

THE DINNER TABLE

You are invited to dinner at a friend’s house, and it is time to eat.  The host points to an empty chair and indicates it is just for you.

You were invited for a reason. You have built a relationship with the host, and they desire to spend time with you. It would seem odd if you arrived for dinner and never spoke to the host, engaged in conversation around the table, or thanked them upon leaving for the invite and dinner. No, hopefully, if you have been given a seat at the table, you are going to engage, entering the conversation, and sharing who you are by sharing.

How could we relate that dinner engagement to our workplace?

THE ORGANIZATION’S TABLE

More than likely, the organization has set a benchmark for the position, and you fit. You are a part of the team because you demonstrated the skills for the needed job and possess the character to fit culturally. If you accepted the invitation to join the team, then there is an expectation to engage through your unique skills and behaviors. In so doing, you help move the organization forward to a brighter future. 

THE INFLUENCE TABLE

Let’s look at ’take your seat’ from a different angle, something on a little smaller scale.

You are in the organization, and you are doing your job, now you have been invited to an actual table in the conference room to discuss an issue/idea or to be a part of a planning/leadership team. Again, there is a reason for the invitation; they want you to engage.

I have been a member of a leadership team where a new member was offered a seat for their particular skill or knowledge base, but they sat quietly, not engaging. They are missing the opportunity.  I understand at the beginning, there may be a feeling of being intimidated by the other members, but the seat is yours to bring your skillset.

In a talk by Megan Alexander, I heard her make this statement: “take a seat at the table, and God will give you influence.” Yes, I believe that is true; however,  if you have been invited to the table, you are expected to give input and influence. When we don’t speak up and into the conversation, we are missing an opportunity to give to do just that.

If you have a seat at the table, it is for a reason, bring your best and engage.