The Power of the Empty Chair

I wrote this article back in 2022 and thought it was a good message to recycle.

I first heard of the power of the empty chair from a podcast by Daniel Pink. He said the idea originally started with the old Sears Roebuck Company and later Amazon.

In a nutshell, the idea is to have an empty chair around a table where you are meeting. It could be a staff meeting, a board meeting or some other meeting where decisions will be made. The empty chair represents the most significant person that is not in the room, your clients, your customers, your families, your students, etc. It begs those sitting around the table to answer the simple question, “What would our customer think about this decision or policy?”

This simple idea is a way to keep leaders focused and disciplined on what matters. In my opinion, individuals could use the empty chair method of decision-making. For example, teachers who are planning lessons for their students could employ the empty chair idea to focus on how their class might respond or receive the lesson. Another example might include someone sitting at their desk crafting an e-mail, the empty chair being the audience to whom you are addressing the message.

This quiet yet symbolic gesture is a powerful reminder to keep a spotlight on those who are the most important people in the room, yet not actually in the room.

It reminds us that empathy is not just a soft skill, it’s a strategic one. When we take a moment to consider the perspective of others, we can make more thoughtful, inclusive and impactful decisions. The empty chair prompts us to pause, to listen more carefully and to question whether our choices truly serve the people they’re intended to benefit.

Leaders and organizations that regularly practice this mindset often find that trust grows, missteps decrease and engagement improves. The empty chair doesn’t just speak for the absent; it challenges the present. It urges us to shift our perspective from internal convenience to external impact.

As we near the end of another school year, the need for intentional, empathetic leadership remains just as strong, if not stronger. Whether in business, education or our personal lives, the simple act of visualizing that unseen voice can steer us toward more meaningful action. So the next time you’re making a decision, set out a chair. Picture who it represents. Then ask, “What would they say?” It might just change everything.

I look forward to seeing you around campus (or at the Pirate Ball!!)

Stuart