How to Earn a Seat at the Table

We hear this all the time in our line of work, that people want a seat at the leadership table in their organizations. I hear it all the time in my own organization!

And here’s the thing—I love that someone has that aspiration. At the same time, I wonder what’s going on behind the scenes to earn it. Are you speaking up? Are you stepping up? There’s a matter of motive and it’s incredibly important. What’s the motive behind wanting a seat?

Do you want to be seen, or do you want to add value?

Plenty of people want to be at the table to be seen, but we quickly learn those people don’t stay seated there long. The table isn’t there for everyone to puff their chest to prove who’s more worthy. The leadership table is there for leaders to strategically work together across departments and divisions in order to make progress toward the overall mission and goal.

Again, do you want to be seen, or do you want to add value?

If you truly want to add value, I think there are three key ways you truly earn a seat at the table.

1. INFLUENCE OVER TITLE

The influence you carry regardless of your title or position will earn you a seat. You aren’t entitled to be there just because of some letters before or after your name. Rather, how much do you positively impact those you work with? Do your presence and opinion carry clout? Focus on what you can add to those in your immediate sphere instead of what you deserve to have, and you’ll gain influence.

2. BIG PICTURE VIEW OVER PROTECTING YOUR TERRITORY

What is the main goal and mission of the company? In what direction are they headed? We can tend to get very siloed, focusing on our own department – and when we do that, we hold onto sacred cows that maybe are holding the company back as a whole. Many times when I was seated at the table, some decisions were made that may have not been beneficial for my personal team, but were absolutely the right decision for the enterprise as a whole. When your focus is the big picture, you will earn a seat because of your alignment with the mission.

3. HAVE A VOICE, BUT ALSO A SERVICE MINDSET

Have your own point of view, and have the boldness to share it. You can’t come to the table and wait to hear everyone else’s point of view and then just agree. You’re invited to the table when you’re willing to share your perspective, even if it’s disagreement shared with tact and grace. Don’t be contrarian just for the sake of disagreeing, but be willing to own your point of view and explain why you feel that way. At the same time, having a seat at the table isn’t about your ego, importance, or status. Come to the table with confidence and boldness, but with humility. Come to the table knowing the value you add, but for the good of the team that’s already seated there. Use your gifts to serve the mission of the organization, not to serve yourself. Tim Elmore says it so well: “Go to the table and talk like you’re right, but listen like you’re wrong.”

BONUS: CONSISTENCY THAT BUILDS TRUST

Earning a seat at the table isn’t a one-time performance—it’s built over time. Do your teammates trust you to show up with integrity even when things get tough? Are you dependable, day in and day out? Consistency isn’t flashy, but it’s one of the strongest traits that leaders at the table carry. You don’t have to be perfect, but you do have to be steady. Your reputation over time becomes your invitation.

BONUS: ADDING VALUE BEFORE YOU’RE INVITED

Here’s something that often gets overlooked: you can act like a leader before you ever get the title. Start asking good questions. Start bringing insights. Start supporting cross-functional goals. When you show up already adding value—without waiting for permission—it becomes very hard not to pull you into bigger conversations. The seat often comes after the contribution.

I love when team members have the desire, drive, and initiative to want a seat at the table. I want people like that on my team! We should always strive to grow. What we want to make sure of, though, is that we’re going about it the right way.

What ways have you seen people earn a seat at the leadership table well where you are?

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