Would you prefer an open door or an open mind?

Can we please get rid of that awful cliche of an “open door” policy?  The door, after all, is just a metaphor.  When I was in corporate, that phrase used to be tossed around like the salad I had for lunch today, which made it that much more disingenuous.  I don’t know about you, but I prefer an open mind policy myself. Allow me to explain. The intention of an open door policy is to: 1) encourage open, honest communication, 2) provide feedback and 3) build trust with your employees.  It occurs to me that the position of the door is irrelevant… if the mind, of the senior leader inside, is closed. Active listening continues to be a skill that few have mastered.  When an employee comes to your door, you need to listen with an open mind and take the opportunity to build an inclusive, collaborative culture.  At the end of the day, employees want to know their contribution matters to the overall greater good. A few words of advice from someone who has been inside that open door.  It’s okay to say NO or schedule a meeting to discuss at a later time.  Employees can build barriers with their direct supervisor by abusing the open door policy and going around their boss. Don’t let them. Listen and then politely ask if they have taken the matter up with their supervisor.  Employees don’t leave jobs, they leave supervisors, so in all cases nurturing that relationship is in their best interest as well as yours. I mentioned my preference for an open mind policy.  An open mind is one that is free from distractions and able to hear (I mean, REALLY hear) and consider new ideas.  If you are running to your next meeting, trying to leave the office early to attend your child’s concert or have just had a hard day, you can’t give that employee your best self.  And anything less, leads to that disingenuous perception I spoke of earlier.  In that case, saying no is the right answer and re-schedule when you can devote the time they need. Have I won you over yet?  If not, keep an open mind about it. For more information about my executive coaching program, please contact me at slamb@altitude-exec.com or at 240.566.2718.