72. Open Door Policies Don't Work

Key Takeaways

• Open‑door ≠ automatic transparency: The policy symbolizes leader availability, but employees might not speak up unless psychological safety exists.
• Trust must be built—and boundaries set: Leaders need to model openness, set clear guidelines, and follow up to make the policy meaningful.
• Rethink the approach: Instead of only inviting visits, leaders can proactively engage (go‑to approach), visit teams, ask questions, and ensure accessible feedback loops.

Actionable Insights

• Model approachability, not just policy—actively demonstrate openness and regularly check in with teams.
• Define clear guidelines—communicate when and how “open-door” works to avoid interruptions and misuse.
• Proactively engage—instead of waiting for staff to come to you, visit teams, ask targeted questions, and act on feedback.

Leadership Challenge

• Audit your policy: Reflect on whether your “open door” is purely symbolic or truly accessible—and act on gaps.
• Try a walk‑around week: Dedicate regular time to visit team spaces, ask a few well‑framed questions, and note insights.

Final Thought

An open-door policy isn’t about leaving your door ajar—it’s about being genuinely present, setting expectations, and turning symbolic acts into meaningful dialogue and trust.