The Least Powerful Person in the Room
“There’s something to be said about being the least powerful person in the most powerful place–nowhere to go but up.”
Everyone loves an underdog story, and that is where most college students find themselves after graduation. I would argue the most successful people are self-aware; what do I mean by that? IQ is nothing without EQ. If you can acknowledge that you are the least powerful person in the room, you will have a level of humility and respect that will carry you farther than pushing bounds; this was a lesson I learned as a raft guide.
There is a strict hierarchy of seniority on the rapids. Veteran guides definitely made the newbies carry more boats out to the water or purposely give them challenging tasks. However, it was less about the physical tests and more about taking constructive criticism. As a new guide, you make a lot of mistakes. No one is going to be perfect after a month of training. Yet, if you are willing to listen, the senior guides give helpful advice to speed up your learning curve. I was always receptive to this and gained their respect. It was not always easy coming off of a tough trip where I could have done something better and immediately hearing what I should have done, but it paid off in the long run. I was quickly promoted to taking “family trips,” reserved only for guides that they knew would have control over the raft to take young kids. Then before I knew it, I was giving the pre-trip safety talks. Respect is earned.
Just because you do not have the power does not mean you cannot contribute.
Just because you do not have the power does not mean you cannot contribute. I remember trying to develop an initial strategy for a brand I worked on, Student Loan Hero. They had a branded color palette that included bright primary colors and used a lot of stock images of college campuses and students. I knew that there had to be a way to make the brand more engaging. I pitched an idea to add two superheroes in my first two weeks at the company. The idea was well received, and we implemented it. Although I did not have the power to make the decision, I did have the power of a pitch.
That summer, I was not 21 yet. I sat at company happy hours drinking water and received some teasing, but I was there. I wanted to be included because I knew that decisions were not always made in a boardroom. In meetings as an intern, I knew that I was often underestimated because of my age or experience level. I made sure that it was thoughtful and purposeful when I spoke up, but I was never intimidated to do so. As important as it was for me to contribute to the conversation, it was just as crucial for me to listen. I was sitting in a room full of professionals who had navigated their careers to get to this point. I could only learn and improve from absorbing as much as possible. Even though I might be the least powerful person in the room right now, I am in the room. Lin Manuel Miranda said it best; I want to be in the room where it happens. My time will come, but for now, just being there has made all the difference.
More About The Author
Lia Esposito is a senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pursuing a degree in Media and Journalism concentrating in Advertising and Public Relations with an English Minor. She is currently a social media strategist in the fintech industry.