Formandstolen

Formandstolen is a Danish term that refers to the chairperson's seat or, more broadly, the office of the chair in an organization or deliberative body. The compound combines formand (chairperson) with stolen (the chair), and is used both literally—the chair occupied by the chairperson during meetings—and metaphorically to denote the leadership position itself.

In practice, the formandstolen implies responsibilities such as presiding at meetings, guiding the agenda, interpreting rules of procedure, representing the organization externally, and coordinating with executive bodies. The specifics vary by organization and are defined in statutes, bylaws, or internal rules. The chair is usually elected or appointed for a defined term and may have a supporting board or committee to assist.

Metaphorically, to take or sit in the formandstolen is to assume leadership. The phrase underscores authority and accountability and is common in discussions of governance and organizational culture. The chair’s seat can be symbolic in ceremonies and in political or corporate contexts, signaling the transfer of power.

See also the wider concepts of chairmanship and governance structures. The term is primarily used in Danish-speaking contexts, where it functions as both a literal description of seating position and a figurative reference to the leadership role within an organization.