Get advice on how to deal with jerks at work Check out the book 'Jerks At Work' and other titles by Ken Lloyd Ph.D. Return to the JerksAtWork.com homepage Learn more about Ken Lloyd, Ph.D. Submit a question to Ken Lloyd, Ph.D.
 

You asked, Ken answers ...

This item is filed under these categories:
Communication Open Door Policy Listening Working Conditions Privacy

Most managers here keep their doors open unless they need privacy for meetings or phone calls. I recently hired a manager who has her door closed almost all the time. The employees who report to her are concerned, and so am I. I have discussed this with her, and she says she does not work well with outside noises and is more productive with the door closed. How can I deal with this?



It appears that your employee does not have an open door or an open mind on this matter, and both need to be opened.

Her comment that she is more productive with the door closed is questionable at best. The most effective and productive managers are visible and accessible to their team, and they maintain a high degree of contact and communication with them. She needs to open her door and hear this from you.

If there is a great deal of noise outside of her office, perhaps the employees in adjacent areas should be advised to exercise more volume control. Taking a more sinister look at her behavior, one has to wonder what she is really doing in her office. There are plenty of employees who use a closed door to close out people who might interrupt their personal calls and surfing activities.

You should advise her that she needs to keep the door open, and you will work with her regarding her concerns about this. Since having an open door is part of what it means to be a manager in your company, she will need one if she means to be a manager in your company.



Comment on this item

Your name (optional)
If you leave this blank, we'll list you as "Website visitor"


Your comments
Please keep your comments focused on the topic. Thanks!