Ever wonder why some people get ahead in business and others are seemingly left behind? Earning a seat at the table could be key. Read on to find out more!
A common expression
Having a seat at the table is a term that is frequently used in business and politics. It is a popular topic at graduations as it relates to shaping one’s future.
What does it mean?
Per the employment-focused social media platform LinkedIn, getting a seat at the table means “having a status within a group that gives one sufficient authority to be taken seriously.”
How is it done?
Gaining this status may be achieved through hard work, dedication, and making use of one’s skills. Thinking outside the box and being innovative can aid in gaining recognition from leaders. It is key toward advancement in organizations.
Why is it beneficial?
Having a seat at the table means that you’ve been accepted into a group of leaders. This opens the door to:
- Listen
- Learn
- Contribute
Opportunities abound!
Getting a seat at the table provides opportunities to:
- Make important connections
- Contribute
- Be a leader
- Encourage others
- Earn respect
- Grow future opportunities
- Gain power to influence decisions
Other meanings?
The expression is sometimes associated with women and people of color gaining advancement in the workplace. However, regardless of sex or race, anyone seeking to move up in a company’s hierarchy needs to embrace the concept of having a seat at the table.
How do you get there?
The way to get a seat at the table is to be:
- A quick learner
- Ready to stand out
- Hardworking
- Dependable/reliable
- Honest/ethical
- Prepared/focused
- Open-minded/flexible
- Proactive in promoting company goals
- Forward in problem solving
- Willing to reach across the aisle
- Able to work well with others
Self-improvement
Getting a seat at the table means you have an opportunity to be heard and make a difference. It doesn’t always come easily. It may require adjusting one’s attitude or behavior to get there – and taking steps toward self-improvement.
Top tips:
If you struggle with advancement opportunities, here are some ways to gain recognition at work:
- Build positive work relationships with coworkers/clients
- Communicate well with your manager/boss
- Dress for success and the role you want
- Learn from those higher up
- Step up – be a “yes” person by accepting opportunities and responsibilities you can handle
- Focus on getting things done through hard work
- Highlight your achievements
- Acknowledge the achievement of others
- Maintain respect
If you find you are not advancing, reflect on the following:
- How can I contribute more or differently?
- Are there small steps I can take to move forward?
- What are my coworkers doing to get ahead?
- Am I a team player?
- Am I doing my fair share of work?
- Am I taking ownership for my contributions?
- Do I demonstrate pride in my work?
- Can I reframe my thinking to be more positive?
You are valuable
Getting a seat at the table is a form of acknowledgment of your value to a business. Getting there does not happen overnight. It must be earned by putting the time and energy into making it happen. If you feel you are undervalued or poorly acknowledged by your company, stick with it and try harder. In a toxic environment, one may choose to seek opportunities elsewhere instead.
Earning that seat at the table
If you feel frustrated in your profession, and opportunities aren’t coming your way, take charge. It’s okay to ask your manager/boss for periodic job performance assessments. Be grateful for that feedback. Use positive (and negative) comments as fuel to improve your performance to earn that all-important seat at the table. If your position has grown stagnant, and opportunities fail to abound, don’t wait for them to come to you. Rather, directly ask how you can be of increased value to your organization. Then, step forward to make it happen.