Right Person, Right Seat: Creating the Conditions for Growth
As a coach, one of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping leaders shift how they see their team—not just as roles or responsibilities, but as whole people. I believe that when we celebrate the individual, we create the conditions for real, sustainable growth.
Much like a plant, a person needs the right environment to thrive. Light, nutrients, and space to grow. In a business context, that means clarity, trust, meaningful work, and a culture that sees the whole person. But even in the best environment, sometimes someone just ends up in the wrong seat.
And that’s not a failure. It’s a signal.
This is where I see so many businesses struggling right now—especially those who claim they “just can’t find good people.” Too often, that mindset is rooted in an outdated belief that work is an us vs. them arrangement, and that employees are interchangeable commodities. When people are treated as replaceable, they don’t bring their full selves to work—and frankly, why should they?
Great leaders don’t just hire well—they coach consistently. They create a culture where it’s safe to explore when something’s off and where people are supported in finding better alignment. This is where the right seat matters just as much as the right person.
So how do you coach someone through that?
1. Start by seeing the whole person. What are their natural strengths? What energizes them? What are they navigating in and outside of work? This step requires listening without an agenda.
2. Get curious, not critical. Ask open questions: What part of your role feels most fulfilling? What drains you? What would your ideal day look like?
3. Provide clarity. Help them understand where the business is headed and where there may be flexibility. People often feel stuck simply because they can’t see another path.
4. Collaborate on what’s next. Work together to explore adjustments—whether it’s shifting responsibilities, building new skills, or moving into a different seat altogether.
This isn’t just theory. At Rock Paper Scissors, the creative agency I lead, we’ve lived this out over the years. We’ve had amazing team members who started in one role and flourished in another—not because they changed who they were, but because we made space for them to grow into something better aligned.
It takes intentionality, patience, and trust. But I’ve seen firsthand how powerful it is when you build a culture where people are celebrated for who they are—and supported in becoming who they’re meant to be.
Growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when leaders choose to see people clearly, nurture them intentionally, and coach them into the roles where they can truly thrive.
Up Next: A Team, Not a Family
For years, we called ourselves a family. It felt warm, connected, and supportive. But over time, we realized that thinking of our workplace as a team is actually more powerful—and more honest.
Families are permanent. Teams are intentional. Every seat is earned, and every player contributes. In the next post, we’ll unpack how this shift in mindset has helped us build a culture of accountability, clarity, and mutual respect—without losing our heart.
Don’t miss it.
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