The Hot Seat

As a leadership tool, putting an employee in “your seat” — metaphorically or literally — sends a powerful message:

“Let’s look at this situation through the lens of leadership.”

When you invite a team member into the manager's seat, even just for a conversation, you’re saying, "Let’s pause, shift the view, and talk like leaders." It creates a moment of clarity and empathy because you’re helping them zoom out of their own world and into the broader context of decisions, tradeoffs, and team dynamics.

It’s coaching, not correcting.

💡 Why This Works

Most employees only see the game from their position on the field. But you, as the leader, are in the dugout watching the full team, the scoreboard, the opposing pitcher, and the next three innings.

When you bring them into your seat:

• They see the ripple effect of their choices.

• They hear how their tone or attitude lands on others.

• They feel the weight of prioritizing what’s best for the team, not just themselves.

This isn’t about scolding. It’s about transferring perspective.

And here’s the best part: when done right, they often coach themselves.

⚾ Bryce Harper Example (Because We Love a Good Analogy)

Think about Bryce Harper again. He’s not just swinging the bat—he’s studying pitchers, watching defensive shifts, thinking two at-bats ahead. If you asked a rookie to sit in his seat for a moment and call the next pitch, they'd realize how complex the game really is.

That’s what you’re doing with the Hot Seat: letting them experience leadership decision-making, even just for a moment.

🪑 How to Use the Hot Seat as a Manager

Let’s say a team member is frustrated about a shift schedule, or they’re pushing back on a new process. Instead of going straight to defense, try this:

You:
"Let me try something. Sit in my seat for a second. Imagine you’re the one managing the whole team, balancing everyone's needs, hitting goals, and making sure morale stays high. What would you do in this situation?"

Let the silence hang. Let them think. Don’t fill the space.

You’ll be surprised how often they go:

“Wow, I didn’t think about it like that.”

Now you’re not just solving problems, you’re developing a future leader.

🚀 Final Thought: Leadership is About Perspective-Shifting

The Hot Seat teaches that every decision has a point of view, and helping your team try on the manager's lens helps them grow empathy, accountability, and confidence.

You’re not asking them to carry your weight forever.
You’re just letting them feel the weight for a moment.

That’s leadership development at its best.

Go coach 'em up and make it a great day, Kevin!