Sometimes the best ideas come while we’re “on,” but often, they show up when we least expect them: in the car, in the shower, or even in front of the TV. That was me the other night: mind at ease, watching The Bear, Season 4, Episode 7 when suddenly, I found myself thinking deeply about perspective, how powerful it is, how messy it can be, and how essential it is for building strong teams.

If you’re not familiar with The Bear, it’s a phenomenal series about a fine dining chef who returns home to run his family’s sandwich shop in Chicago. This episode centers on a wedding and weaves through themes of family, belonging, and how we see the world through different lenses.

Fair warning: light spoilers ahead.

Understanding “Family” from Every Angle

The first thing that struck me was the show’s exploration of family dynamics which is an ongoing theme, but especially nuanced in this episode. Characters grapple with what “family” means, who gets to be part of it, and what expectations we hold for the people we’re closest to. We hear from those connected to the Berzatto family by marriage (and even divorce), and surprisingly, many express a deep desire to stay close to this chaotic, loving, dysfunctional group. Why? Because they’re loyal, consistent, and full of life.

One particularly rich conversation happens between Donna, the Berzatto matriarch, and Syd, one of the chefs. Donna, often estranged from her children, longs for closeness. Syd, meanwhile, has found family in the restaurant team. Donna envies that bond. It’s a moment that reveals how hard it is not just to see someone’s perspective, but to feel it.

The Table as a Teaching Tool

Meanwhile, Richie’s daughter Evie hides under a table to avoid doing a father-daughter dance. Richie and her soon-to-be stepdad Frank try everything to coax her out, but nothing works until they literally get down under the table with her. Slowly, more family members join, until everyone’s crouched together in their stiff wedding attire, trying to meet Evie where she is, physically and emotionally.

That table becomes a symbol: a shift in perspective, a new environment, and a shared space of empathy. Sometimes we say we want to walk in someone else’s shoes, but imagine if those shoes were uncomfortable or didn’t fit at all. That’s the point. Sitting under the metaphorical table is about discomfort, vulnerability, and true understanding, not assumptions.

From Participant to Facilitator

Another highlight for me was Richie’s reflection on a metaphor about a sand garden. Initially, he sees himself as a stone among other stones, struggling to connect with his staff. He runs staff meetings, shares motivational quotes, but feels like something’s not clicking. After his experience under the table, Richie reframes his role: he’s not one of the stones, he’s the sand! His job isn’t just to be a part of the team, but to help hold everyone together. To create the environment for connection. To support the people who serve the guests, not just lead them.

This episode gave me a brilliant moment of clarity that felt incredibly relevant to the work I do.

What This Has to Do With Consulting

You might be thinking: “Jenn, this is a lot of analysis for one episode of television. What does this have to do with consulting?”

Everything!

Great consultants don’t just offer ideas. They understand people. They meet them where they are, sometimes under the table, and help create the conditions where progress can happen. The best solutions are not only creative, but aligned with a client’s mission, team dynamics, and lived experience. That’s what the MADE Method is all about: designing with purpose and intention, with a deep awareness of human complexity.

A Few Perspective-Inspired Ideas for Your Team

• Change the environment. If your team is feeling stuck, try getting out of the boardroom and go “under the table”. Invite the team to bring in picnic blankets, have the meeting outside, share snacks or lunch. Change the scenery to shift the energy and inspire the team.

• Host a potluck ideation session. Food connects people. Combine a team meal with some creative strategy work. Use a paper tablecloth (like at a BBQ joint) and place markers nearby the food so folks can jot down ideas as they eat.

• Use Forced Connections. Forced connections is a creative technique where you intentionally link unrelated ideas to spark fresh thinking. It’s a simple way to break out of routine patterns and discover unexpected, often more innovative, solutions.

• Make space for uncomfortable conversations. Real understanding requires more than empathy, it requires presence. Ask your team what their “under the table” moments have been and what they needed most in those situations. You don’t have to be a “work family” but you can set up a safe space for people to be seen and heard.

This entire post is a reflection on perspective and I’d love to hear yours! If you’ve seen the episode, what stood out to you? Did my take spark a new thought or feel off-base from your view? If you haven’t seen the episode that’s also okay! Share in the comments, I’d love to keep this conversation going. 

Until next time,

Jenn

Founder, MADE Consulting

Mission-Aligned Design Excellence