Your ‘Open Door’ Policy May be Sending the Wrong Message

Leadership

Apr 24, 2017

While probably well-meaning, the phrase “My door is always open” tells your people:

You expect them to take the initiative and meet you on your territory,
You assume they will figure out what information you want to them to bring you,
Although it’s seldom the case, you’ll be available to hear them out at any time.

(Now I know why those TV undercover bosses are so totally in the dark about what is going on until they finally take the initiative and venture out into the trenches where the action is themselves.)

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