Episode 55: Shut the Door on the Open-Door Policy

Most leaders employ an open-door policy. I’m not sure if they do this because they want to or because HR tells them to or if they heard or read somewhere that it’s a “best practice.”What do you think? HR directive? Best practice? Or it seems reasonable and shows you are an approachable boss?I’m not buying any of it.We all know what the “open-door policy” means. It means, my office door is always open, I’m always in there, and I don’t want to be bothered. So make an appointment.You know what I’m talking about. Consider this typical scenario.You’re in your office, and Felicia knocks on your open door. You’re busy, so you keep you eyes focused on your screen, and you ask, “Yes? What’s up?” Felicia says, “Oh, I see you’re busy. I’ll come back later.”Not exactly as welcoming as the “policy” might suggest.