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Open Door Policy Listening Persuasion

The owner of our company has an open-door policy, but whenever any of us meet with him, he doesn't listen. He is friendly, but he always has a reason for doing things his way. Is there a way to change this?



There is a major difference between an open door and an open mind. For an open-door policy to have any meaning, there needs to be a true exchange of ideas.

It is very nice for the owner of your company to be friendly and accessible, but his apparent unwillingness to listen indicates that he is rather manipulative. He understands that authoritarian managers who want everything done their way often encounter overt resistance and hostility. However, by being friendly and meeting with the employees he has found that he can still have everything done his way, and the employees are more likely to acquiesce.

It sounds like you are dealing with a paternalistic leader who believes that he knows what is best for you, whether you like it or not. This approach may be friendly, but it is the classical fist in the velvet glove.

In order to have any chance at having your ideas heard, you need to approach him in a sales mode. This means that you should open the discussion by having him agree with whatever you are saying, even if it is as basic as the weather.

The next step is to focus on a specific problem and the measurable way in which your suggestion will solve it. Be sure to use words such as "profit," "achievement," "goals," and "growth," as these will have a positive emotional charge for him as a business owner.

You should also try to use a style of speech and body language similar to his. The idea is for him to unconsciously sense that the two of you have much in common and he can trust you. If you still find resistance, tell him that you would like to use your approach on a trial basis in tandem with whatever approach is already in place. Emphasize that he can only win by this proposition.

The problem is that you are dealing with a father-knows-best leader, and even if you come up with a better way to do something, it still may be met with an open door, but not with open arms.



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