[Week 24.08] Your Table is Ready Now

Sitting in the lobby of a historic hotel, I watched as people sat down at their tables and enjoyed the ritual of high tea. To my left, a group of three 20-somethings leaned over with enthusiasm as the tower of delights was placed in front of them. As they drank their teas and tasted the petite sandwiches and delicate cakes, the table came alive with the energy of their pleasure. As they grew accustomed to the experience, the newness of tea transformed into the ease of being together and sharing a meal. Together, they created a unique space by contributing their personality, conversation, and history. When the meal was complete they got up and left, and the diligent waitstaff promptly cleared the table and prepared it for the next group to make the table theirs. Watching the new group take their seats, I recognized this tea as a metaphor for life and leadership.

It's our table. As we enter a new role, relationship, or opportunity, it is as though we are sitting at a new table, usually one that has already been set for us. What happens at the table next is largely defined by our own presence and contributions. It’s up to us as leaders to determine what kind of table we want this to be. Will it be a place where imagination is welcome and ideas flow freely? Where team members feel safe to collaborate, question, listen generously?. We lead discussions, listen intently, try new ideas, and exchange with others. When we meet someone for the first time, we decide how we are going to sit together and what kind of conversation we want to have. When we are presented with opportunities, we determine if we want to entertain, develop, or pass on the proposal. The table is set, the cakes and sandwiches are placed in front of us, and the rest is up to us.

We make of it what we choose. The first group at the table were excited by what was presented, and their energy was visceral. The next group was clearly regulars; the delights were just a meal for them. With every new table we sit at, we have a choice – will this be a meal of delights or simply another sandwich? Are these people we are eager to be with, or just a way to pass the time? We can join together to create new energy and experiences that expand our time and invigorate us. We have great tools – imagination, collaboration, generosity, enthusiasm, and joy. The table, the service, and the company are given. What we make of it is up to us.

Then it's someone else's table. The truth of the table is that it will only be ours for a short time. We may choose to linger, but eventually, we will pay the check push back our chairs and release our seats to the next wave of patrons and potential. While there, we have the chance to make magic, create memories, and  be fully present in the moment. Once we leave, it is someone else's table, and we leave it behind. With each moment, meeting, role, and relationship, we have time for impact, influence, collaboration, and creation. Then, time passes, and we move on.

In life and leadership, we only get to sit at a limited number of tables. We spend time with friends and families, people we love and lead, strangers and lifelong friends – each offering moments of connection or impact before passing the baton. Watching the energy of the table defined by the party, I was reminded that it is up to us to make our table what we want. By remembering that we don't own the table but are there on temporary loan, we can appreciate the food a little more, applaud the service more loudly, and be fully present and engaged with our partners. After all, for the moment, it's your table; what you do with it is up to you.

With love gratitude and wonder

Scott