The Empty Chair
It was a leadership meeting like any other. As I walked in, I noticed it—an empty chair at the table.
At first, I thought someone would arrive late, but no one did. The chair stayed empty.
As the meeting unfolded, conversation flowed easily. People shared ideas, offered solutions, and checked off tasks. But my attention kept returning to that one chair. I couldn’t explain it, but something about that empty space kept pulling me in.
Somewhere in the quiet part of my mind, it became more than just a seat. It became a symbol—a reminder of all the people who aren’t in the room when we talk about change. The teacher who was never asked. The student who feels unseen. The parent or colleague who wants to belong but isn’t sure how.
It made me wonder: how many spaces do we fill with conversation but leave empty of connection?
That empty chair stayed with me long after the meeting ended. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about speaking—it’s about seeing. Remember, you don’t need a title to lead. When you choose kindness, the right people will follow.
Belonging begins when we notice who is missing and when we reach out instead of moving on. Connection starts in those quiet, intentional moments when someone chooses to make space for another person’s story.
Kindness is more than what we say. It’s how we make people feel when they’re with us—and when they’re not.
Neuroscience tells us that belonging is a biological need. The same area of the brain that registers physical pain lights up when we feel left out or disconnected. Our bodies respond to disconnection as danger. But when we experience genuine belonging, oxytocin floods the brain, lowering stress and deepening trust.
That means belonging doesn’t just feel good—it strengthens our ability to think clearly, build relationships, and thrive together. Connection literally changes how our brains and our communities function.
So maybe leadership is not about how full the table looks, but about whether every heart around it feels like it belongs there.
5 Ways to Be the Light
Notice who isn’t there. Before every meeting or decision, pause and ask, “Whose voice is missing?” Awareness begins belonging.
Reach out. Send a text, pull up a chair, or walk across the room. Connection starts with one small act of presence.
Listen to understand. Belonging grows when people feel heard, not just included. Listen to the story beneath the words.
Value presence over perfection. Sometimes the most meaningful moments happen when we stop trying to impress and start being real.
Make space for others to shine. True connection happens when we celebrate someone else’s voice as much as our own.
Being the Light means choosing to see the empty chairs—the quiet spaces where belonging hasn’t yet taken root. It means showing up with presence, creating connection, and remembering that kindness isn’t about who fills the room but about who feels at home in it.
You’re amazing! Rooting for you!
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