What privileges do you have at the table today?

The topic of my youngest child turning 19 may seem unusual for a business newsletter, but from my perspective, this milestone is deeply intertwined with business principles.

In Canada, the age of majority is 18, making them technically an adult a year ago. However, in most provinces and territories, the legal drinking age is 19 (except for Alberta and Quebec, where it's 18). For our family, the ability to share a drink with your parents in public marks a significant milestone, not because we emphasize drinking but because we recognize it as a rite of passage, symbolizing the freedom to join adults at the table.

In business, we encounter various tables—some small, engaging, and enjoyable, while others are large and daunting. Many organizations view these tables as privileges that must be earned, akin to a rite of passage.

In my experience, organizations that solely value tenure or longevity miss the mark. Age alone doesn't determine one's readiness or ability to contribute effectively. While time grants us experience and lessons, individuals must be willing to leverage these for the benefit of participating at the table.

The celebration of my child's 19th birthday parallels the essence of business growth: recognizing and honoring milestones, valuing contributions beyond mere time served, and embracing the journey towards meaningful participation at every table we encounter.

Happy birthday to my kid. . .looking forward to many more toasts shared with them as they continue to grow and learn in their adulthood,

The Feisty PM