Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Furniture Obsession!

I spend a lot of time discussing human resources leadership, strategy, risks, social media, and accountability. This week, I have the distinct pleasure to participate in a large conference of marketing and web professionals from the healthcare industry.

It turns out we have a couple of things in common. Most of these similarities are very positive...things like the awareness that we need to leverage brand, integrate social media into every aspect of our work, and continue to push ourselves to connect with our customers in a meaningful way.

Unfortunately, we also have something else in common: the dreaded furniture obsession.

"Could we please, for once, stop talking about a seat at the table, and simply start leading as if we're already there?"

Get Over It
I've thought for a long time that HR was the only group that complained about this IKEA induced syndrome. Apparently our brothers and sisters in the web/marketing world are also consumed with furniture. Stop it. Everyone, just stop it. No Executive, and I mean not one, is interested in hearing that anyone deserves a seat at the fictitious table.

Instead, they want you to act like you belong there from day one. They don't have time to wait for you...we need to make it happen. Now.

How About You
What are you doing to ensure you don't sound like a worn out coffee table salesperson? The furniture argument doesn't play anymore. What works, are bold leaders who stay on the cutting edge of their profession and prove their value to the Executive teams in their organizations. I bet you won't find that on clearance this weekend.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



photo credit

22 comments:

  1. Great post Jay. The ones complaining about not having a "seat" are the main ones that shouldn't be there in the first place. They're worried about looking important and being seen. If what I'm saying is worth hearing, I can deliver it over the phone or email, doesn't have to be from the "table"! Actions speak louder than positions and recognition. Make a difference from the room you're in!

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  2. Exactly, regardless of your function or position - once you demonstrate your value to the business, they will seek you out. And as you continue to add that value over time, you become a de facto part of the decision making process.

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  7. Not having a "seat" really must not be at the first place..i agree

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  8. It's sensible post, it's a good thing that you guys have couple of things in common.

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  19. Ah the proverbial "seat" at the almighty "table" - we've all heard about those people ;)

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