We are optimizing our business for an exit and need to eliminate our administrative assistant seat because all tasks are now handled by automated software. However, the person in this seat is a long-time family friend who is a perfect core values fit. How do we handle this structural elimination without causing a family crisis?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a classic Right Person, No Seat scenario. It is emotionally difficult, especially when family or long-time friends are involved, but you must prioritize the structural needs of the business to ensure a clean exit.

Your Accountability Chart must represent the ideal structure for maximum profitability and efficiency. If automation has successfully eliminated the administrative assistant seat, that seat must be officially retired from the chart. Keeping a seat that is no longer needed will drag down your margins and signal to buyers that your operations are inefficient.

To handle this cleanly, separate the person from the seat. Since she is a Right Person who fits your core values, look across the organization to see if there is another legitimate, vacant seat that she has the GWC to fill.

If such a seat exists, transition her into it. However, if there is no open seat that matches her skills, you must not invent a fake role to keep her. Doing so is unfair to the business and to her. You must transition her out of the company with dignity, transparency, and a generous severance package that honors her loyalty.