"Gardez la main levée et si vous êtes assis à une table assurez-vous de vous asseoir à la table."

The essence of the quote revolves around the idea of making yourself visible and actively participating. It’s about not letting opportunities pass you by and ensuring that you’re always in a position where your voice can be heard and your presence felt. When you're sitting at a table—whether that’s a business meeting, a family dinner, or a classroom—don't just be a passive observer. Be present and engaged. Speak up. Contribute.

Historically, this kind of advice has been particularly relevant in contexts where people might feel marginalized or underrepresented. Think about women in corporate settings. This idea became popularized by Sheryl Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, in her book "Lean In." Sandberg emphasized that women often unintentionally hold themselves back in professional situations. By reminding them to "sit at the table," she encouraged women to be more assertive and to claim their space.

Let’s consider a practical example: a team meeting at work. Imagine there's a critical project discussion happening. You're part of the team, but you're not the leader. You’ve got ideas, but it feels like everyone else is more vocal. Following the wisdom of the quote, you make a conscious decision to sit where you’re noticed. You raise your hand and share your thoughts. This simple act can change the dynamics of the meeting. Suddenly, your ideas are in the mix. Your colleagues see you as more engaged, and it can even open doors for future opportunities.

So, how do you apply this advice? Start by physically positioning yourself in places where discussions are happening—don’t hover at the edges. If there's a meeting, don’t sit in the back row; choose a spot at the table. Mentally, prepare yourself to speak up. It can be daunting, but remember that your perspective is valuable. Practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the easier it becomes.

A relatable scenario might help. Imagine you’re a student in a large lecture hall. There’s an upcoming group project, and the professor asks for volunteers to lead. You’re interested, but you’re also a bit shy. The professor is looking around, waiting for hands to go up. This is your moment. You raise your hand. Your classmates see it, the professor sees it. You’ve signaled that you’re ready to step up. Fast forward a few weeks, and you’re leading the project. Your group respects your initiative, and you've gained valuable leadership experience.

It’s all about taking that first step to make yourself known. Sure, it might feel uncomfortable at first. You might worry about saying the wrong thing or looking foolish. But consider this: the more you put yourself out there, the more natural it becomes. And the rewards? They’re worth it. You build confidence, earn respect, and create opportunities for yourself.

So next time you find yourself in a situation where you can either fade into the background or step into the spotlight, remember the essence of this advice. Keep your hand up. Sit at the table. It’s your chance to make a difference—don’t let it slip away.