The front row culture – from Seth Godin

The group files into the theater, buzzing. People hustle to get to the front row, sitting side by side, no empty seats. The event starts on time, the excitement is palpable.

The other group wanders in. The front row is empty and stays that way. There are two or even three empty seats between each individual. The room is sort of dead.

In both cases, the CEO or the guest speaker is going to address the group for an hour. But the two groups couldn’t be more different.

The first organization sees possibility, the second sees risk and threat. The first group is eager to explore a new future, the second group misses the distant past.

The truth is this: it’s possible to hire for, train for and lead a front-row organization. And if you merely let entropy take over, you’re going to end up with the second, lesser, failing organization instead.

Worth saying this as clearly as possible: The culture, the choice of front row or back row, is a choice. It’s the result of investment and effort.

Where would you rather work?

Where would you rather Lead?

Where would you rather Worship?


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2 responses to “A Front Row Culture and Why it Matters”

  1. Paul Hiley Avatar
    Paul Hiley

    We have been battling this for years saying “You belong,you matter.take your place and mean business. Leave the back row for visitors and think of others.” It has taken 30 years but we are making headway! I want to reinforce the “no passengers here” message and dismantle the low self esteem that plagues so many. Think I might put our puppets in the front row on Sunday!

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