No one knows the issues like those on the front lines. From a management standpoint sometimes shutting up long enough to listen can really go a long way; however, this is often not an option for the grumpier, or old-school bunch, who prefer to bark orders and have every issue work its way up the chain of command.
In life and in business 99% of the time ever decision will have both its pros and cons, deciding to promote an open-door policy also has its own, here’s a look at them.
Pros:
- It can often lead to an un-biased look into what employees on the frontlines have to deal with. Sometimes problems get sugar-coated on the way up the chain of command so supervisors can over their own ass, this is a good way to avoid it.
- Being readily available when problems or concerns surface puts you in a position to take of them faster and minimize or eliminate any possible damage.
- Employee trust is generated easily when the ‘higher-ups’ actually listen.
Cons:
- Taking the time to talk to everyone who has a problem can really bog down productivity.
- One person’s “problem” might not really be a problem; and watching out for false or misleading information would have to be taken into account.
Pros and cons aside you must also set a tone early on that frivolousness banter will not be tolerated. And be ready to ask the most important question before any conversations takes place; “Have you brought up this issue with your immediate supervisor?”
In the end and in my opinion, there really is no price too high to pay for building trust, while being readily available to listen to and actually solve problems before they blow out of proportion, and there is no better policy than the open door one.