Open Door Policy
Effective Communication.
“We adopt an open door policy here”- is a opt heard string of words.
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Open door policy (referred to ODP henceforth) refers to a communication/management practice where employees/colleagues/subordinates are welcome to approach people at any level of an organisation to raise issues or concerns. The term originates (IMHO) from another called “closed door activities”, which refers to activities that don’t invite too much attention. The idea behind ODP is to create an environment of openness, transparency and free communication across org levels. Employees are encouraged to discuss processes, people or situations that may be obstacles.
Unfortunately policies not practised or implemented half-heartedly are a major nuisance. “I am busy”, “Talk to your immediate manager”, “I don’t know that”, “You need to talk to someone else”: these are not great examples of open communication. Keeping doors open or having open entrances to one’s cabin are not the criterion for good ODP implementation. Open doors and closed minds can only lead to frustrated subordinates and vertical organisation structures.
Some of the most people-friendly managers I have met, have their doors closed but minds open. Closed doors are actually good in this case. They make people think if they have genuine reasons to approach. There is a crowd that likes to be in limelight and is eager to show that it is in the good grace of superiors. Closed doors limit this.
Managers are there to assist people, aid in processes. All mouth and no ears does not help.
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