The so-called "open door policy", i.e. balancing of a manager's authority and accessibility towards his subordinates, has been discussed in the management theory for decades. To what extent should, therefore, a manager's door be opened? TLNT.com recommends:
1. Be friendly, but not friends
A manager can no longer afford to just command and prohibit. He leads with a certain vision and helps his people to succeed. The must, therefore, be open and communicative. At the same time, however, he must be careful not to let his subordinates to see him as a friend.
2. Arrange individual meetings
Your people should know that you are available to them, but not all day. You would then be able to do your work only when everybody leaves. You can, for example, arrange meetings with your people to ask their questions. If you have an assistant, it should be her job.
3. Set your office hours
Try the simple concept of office hours. Establish certain hours of the week when anybody can to come to see you and ask what he or she needs. In the same way, you can also specify the hours when you never have time and therefore you are not available.
How does your experience with the open door policy look like?
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