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Take your office door off the hinges |
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The purpose of an open door policy is to provide a supportive environment for followers. This article provides a leader with some simple steps to creating a true open door policy. |
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| Author: Tracie Linderman - Edge Consultants |
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A leader who has a true "open door policy" lives and breathes by it. It isn't a sign that sits on a desk or hangs on the office wall, but rather a support system and approach to employees that is demonstrated on a daily basis by leadership.
The idea behind such a policy is a great one. The reality however is that most managers stop short after hanging the wall plaque, or planting the sign on their desk.
A true open door policy, said simply is this:
The leader's role is to support his/her employees -- first and foremost. Everything else is secondary.
To really create a support system for followers requires your commitment to them. Their problems and issues don't surface around your availability, but rather your downtime is the result of when all of their problems and issues are addressed.
How do you create such a policy?
A true open door policy means that your door is always open. The only time it should ever be closed is during follower counseling sessions and confidential discussions. Every other time...the door is open, open, open.
Helpful tips -
When an follower approaches your door, always invite them in and encourage them to sit down.
Anytime an employee enters your office regardless of what you are doing, always acknowledge them.
Never make employees feel as though they are intruding.
Show that you give them priority over everything else.
Add a candy dish to your desk display, fill it with treats for your followers.
Thank them for coming into your office.
By taking these simple steps you will create an open door policy that lives up to it's name. True open door policies create a supportive environment where followers feel valued and safe...safe to take risks and grow because they know there is truly a leader who cares about them, and that will make all the difference in the world on how successful you are as a leader.
Copyright (c) 2007 Tracie Linderman. All Rights Reserved.
About Author
Tracie Linderman is a consultant, trainer, and writer specializing in organizational and employee development in the US. She is currently accepting new clients within the US and international markets. tlinderman@email.phoenix.edu
Article Source:
http://www.1888articles.com/author-tracie-linderman-edge-consultants-4782.html
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