The problem with a door is that it is exactly that – a door. If it’s open, people walk in and assume it’s reasonable to do so – makes sense right? And if the door is closed, people knock right?
If they knock and you don’t answer, that would be rude?
But why should that be? They distracted you. Surely they are being rude?
Except no one wants to be rude: that’s bad leadership.
So if you let people in the door after knocking, then there’s effectively no difference to being in an open plan.
Why even have a door? It might cut out the noise for a bit but effectively you’re “open to the public”.
So I now have a sign on my door that politely says: “Door closed = Please do not disturb. If urgent…email me. Thanks.”
Now I feel safe. Well not quite yet. It only takes five minutes for people to disrespect the sign, so it takes some “polite enforcing”.
Don’t go soft. It’s my one rule.
If I can’t come into my own office which I pay the rent for and have time to ‘get things done’ without feeling violated, agitated and irritable (which most managers do feel constantly by the way), then I may as well find a secret office location where nobody knows where I am!
So now, this is why my “closed door policy” works so well.
When my door is closed and I am on my own, I can write this blog undisturbed and in peace. Feels great! When I walk out of my office I am happy and feel ready for interaction.
When I have scheduled time with someone, they come into my office and I close the door. They now feel safe. I am now 100% fully focused on them and nothing else. They know that I won’t check emails or answer my phone, nor allow anyone else in to disturb us. This time is their time and this is 100% engagement and productive time and staff love it. If I’m running overtime, my PA is allowed to knock and help keep me on time.
I am now in control of my door! Sounds so silly, yet is so powerful. Are you in control of your door if you have one?
It’s the attention and effort you make with someone when you’re ‘with’ them that is critical. Being available for the sake of being available and then only giving 50% attention to an issue is a waste of everyone’s time.
Don’t you hate it when you talk to someone and they look over your shoulder or tap away on their phone? Now that’s rude, insensitive and selfish.
Being 100% “present” with someone is thoughtful, authentic and meaningful for the other person and that’s what people want from a leader – someone that cares, listens and wants to help.
So there’s my closed door policy which has now been renamed my “100% engagement policy”, which is 100 times better than a crumby and meaningless ‘open door policy’.
There have been suggestions of adding one more line to my sign: “The sole exception is if you are bringing coffee or food – you may enter!”
However, I’m worried I’ll be flooded with food and caffeine, which might not be a great thing!
