The
Empty Seat
No one owns the throne.
No one rules forever.
Power is borrowed, not held.
The Empty Seat is a structural decision that protects continuity, creativity, and execution without ego.
Leadership is functional, not symbolic.
In traditional organizations, leadership positions become permanent fixtures. The person in the seat becomes the seat itself, and the structure ossifies around them.
The Empty Seat principle means that leadership roles are temporary, contextual, and transferable. The seat exists, but no one person owns it permanently.
This creates space for:
- Natural transitions as projects evolve
- Different expertise leading at different times
- Reduced ego-driven decision making
- Continuity that doesn't depend on individuals
What This Means
Functional Authority
Leadership emerges from capability and context, not from titles or tenure.
Natural Rotation
As needs change, different people step into leadership roles without friction or power struggles.
Reduced Friction
Decisions flow from what needs to happen, not from who has the authority to decide.