Open-Door Policy – Stop Doing That
Where does most of your time get wasted? An open door policy!
Yes – we all want to be “one with the people” and “available” for everyone, but having an open door policy is just wrong. Having an open door means anyone can just drop in on you at any time; you are always available. What this is really saying is that you don’t have any respect for your own time so no one else needs to either. An open door policy breeds dependence on the leader. Why think for myself when I can just drop in on you at anytime and ask you for the answer?
I know you have to be there for people, but the key word needs to shift from being “available” to being “accessible”. A dictionary describes being available as “ready for use” – you are just there waiting to be used – whereas accessible means “approachable”. Big difference.
Recent studies reported that one of the greatest challenges for leaders to be successful and have an impact is their inability to focus. The main culprit was interruptions. One study estimated that leaders are interrupted every 21 minutes. Given that it also takes 10 minutes to recover focus on something you were working on that means that you can only focus for about 11 minutes. How much meaningful and strategic thinking can you do as a leader in 11 minutes?
So, take a stand and do something about it. I understand you need to be accessible – and encourage it – but also know you need time on your own to think strategically and contribute value to the innovation and competitiveness of your work. You need people to leave you alone at times.
What to do? Create a quiet time for your critical work ; put in place priority blocks for you without interruptions. The door is, literally or figuratively, closed. Let everyone know your priority time blocks (about an hour each day) and to leave you alone. They’ll love it. Arrange specific times for close staff; give them time each day or two days, so they have your full time and attention to buzz through things on their list. They’ll love you. Have “office hours” by setting up and communicating times each day when you are available and people can just drop in for your pearls of wisdom. About an hour a day will do it. It’ll make them think. They’ll love themselves.
Of course, if something life-threatening or client-threatening occurs, they can always interrupt you. But it needs to be exception and not the rule.
You are a leader – act like one. Take charge of your time – people will respect you and your time because you respect you and your time. They will do the same for themselves. We actually do what we should be doing with our time rather than leaving it up for grabs.
Just my opinion …
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