A Seat at the Table

A few years ago, I was involved in what I thought was a brilliant idea. We got all the heads of every department together once a month to discuss everything and see what we could do to improve. Everything seemed to be set up exactly like you would read about in a great leadership book. We went around and gave everyone a chance to voice an opinion and give updates, we set goals, we discussed strengths and weaknesses. On paper this plan could not fail. But it did. Not only would I say that it failed, but it failed hard and quick. What was supposed to be the start of something amazing lost momentum within a few months and was gone and buried before we even hit the six-month mark. The whole thing hit me like a huge failure. How could such a great idea never really get off the ground and fail so quickly? It wasn’t the leadership of the meeting. It wasn’t the timing of the meeting. We had so many issues and opportunities to build on that I feel like we had a chance to change the whole balance of the building. When I look back at the situation and I do a short after-action review, I notice something very scary and disappointing. It failed because not everyone at the table deserved to have a seat at the table. The part that hits the hardest to me is that you can’t get better unless certain key members want to get better. If key members don’t want to be great, they can’t be at the table. So here is the biggest issue, you have two battles going on at the same time. For certain changes to take place, you must have buy in from the top. But, if the people at the top don’t want to be great, it won’t work. I still believe the overall concept could work today. But the same people are still in place, so it just can’t happen. I looked up on google “seat at the table” to see what it would say. I really love one thing I read; this is what it said:

Those with a "seat" are often considered experts in their field and bring a unique perspective that enriches the decision-making process. Having a "seat at the table" can be a powerful tool for influencing outcomes, advocating for interests, and ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and valued.

This was exactly what I wanted! We had the experts, we had the perspective, we had the influence! So, what didn’t we have? Why didn’t it work? Sometimes, to be great, you must give some harsh criticism. Some people didn’t want to change. Some people were more interested in recognition than doing the hard work needed. Others just weren’t interested in the concept. Some people felt obligated to be there and didn’t want to do anything extra. The last few meetings we had were filled with things getting thrown together at the last moment and people coming to the meeting without doing anything over the last month. One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned over the last few years is that people always want a seat at the table, but you can’t invite them in. I think the phrase “a seat at the table” is so perfect because it represents coming into someone’s home and seeing something very personal. To sit down in someone’s home and have a meal together isn’t something you do for everyone. It’s something you save for a select few. I really wanted the idea to work, but it can’t be forced. When I look at some of the current issues we have, they could all be solved by sitting down at the table. Sadly, some people haven’t changed enough to make it possible. As I come to the end of this discussion I’m thinking about two different things. First, am I the type of person who belongs at the table? Am I a team player? Am I willing to do the extra work? Am I willing to listen to constructive criticism? If I’m not, it’s time to change! Second, am I clear on what my expectations are for the people at the table? If I want to be great, I must think about the actions of everyone else. Sometimes what benefits me hurts other people. If that’s the case, it can’t be done. Everyone at the table must be willing to spend time every week working towards the goals. You can’t have expectations and then put them in the drawer until next month. You also must want change and you have to want to be great. We live in a world where the rewards for being great and mediocre are close enough that some people just don’t think it’s worth the extra time and effort. It was a great idea, and it should have worked. I hope one day to be able to revive it and see it play out!