Stop obsessing about that ‘seat at the table’

Having both been at and away from the proverbial “table” many times throughout my (long) career, here's my advice for new managers struggling to make their mark

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table …” do one of these 2 things

#1

“Bring a folding chair!” 

Yes, seek inspiration from these words of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the US Congress who undoubtedly faced her share of marginalization …  

Meaning, take matters in your hand, don’t wait for opportunities to fall in your lap and pro-actively be your biggest self-advocate

#2

Find a mentor who already has a seat at the table. Having someone in your corner can make all the difference. That way, you can focus on delivering value where it counts, engage with your team and users, and pour all your passion into work.

Regardless of your situation remember one thing though, it's not just about being at the table; it's about making an impact once you're there :)