Esther had to risk her position to speak up. Sometimes your seat at the table exists for one conversation.

A position can exist for one specific use. She had access, status and comfort, and the whole lot was put at risk by saying the thing that needed saying, because the access was only ever worth something if it was spent. Most people protect the seat instead and leave the conversation unhad. Influence that is never used for anything is just furniture.

Ask what your position is actually for this week. Captain, older sibling, the one the teacher likes, the one with the job. Then say the thing it lets you say, even if it costs you the standing.