The open door policy is on the chopping block, its good days are past and we are putting it out of its misery. We’re at the point of replacing it with a NEW, more effective and better one.
So what is the NEW and BETTER open door policy?
“Lead with your feet”
Leaders say “my office door is always open” because they want their team to know and hear the desire for openness and transparency.
It shows accessibility, openness and communication.
Instead of inviting staff to visit your office…
Get out and take advantage of the open doors all over your organization. Walking thru the office doors of your staff screams from the roof tops that you’re a great leader.
When they come see you, you get what they bring you.
Here’s the kicker, when you go see them:
- You get everything in a much better context
- You see and hear first-hand what’s going on
- You get every perspective
- You learn firsthand what isn’t going well
- You get what you aren’t hearing
- You learn what you’ve heard incorrectly
- You meet all the little people, who many times have great ideas
- You find your best and worst people
- You get to sell the vision personally
- You get to solve problems
- You get to breathe hope into people individually
- You cheer the team to the finish line
- The truth reveals itself
Lee Cockerell, who held executive positions with Hilton, Marriott and Disney said it this way:
“Be in the operation then in the office.”
Taking the new and improved open door policy to your people is hugely powerful and as a leader you will gain insights that would never come thru your office door.
So will you make the commitment? Repeat after me: “I solemnly swear to NEVER, cross my heart, NOT EVER, say my door is always open!!!”
So what do we call this new and improved open door policy?
I love the phrase, “lead with your feet.” So get out of your office and lead your organization with your feet.
Related Posts
Why Great Leaders Let Their Feet Do The Talking
The Most Worn Out Leadership Axiom
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