Many leaders proudly talk about the ease with which their staff can access them, but is this really a good thing? There are times when leaders need to get into ‘flow’ – to concentrate on projects without interruptions to thought patterns. So what is the balance?

Balance may be a personal choice.  However great leaders understand that the team doesn’t have to be involved in every decision. If open door policy becomes ingrained in your organisation the open door becomes a revolving door and inertia results. If it is not addressed the door just spins faster and faster and all you get is the breeze.

Block out times when you are not available. Close your door, ensure your secretary guards your precious ‘thinking time’ or have some other way of indicating you are unavailable. Remind staff of the process and why it is important.  Then when you are with staff you can give them your full attention. When you walk around your business or learning organisation you can do it on purpose, regularly booking time to be where the action is.  This time should be sacrosanct if you want to have your finger on the pulse. Establish it as one of the ‘rocks’ that gets timetabled into your diary at the beginning of the week, then build the habit of sticking to your plan. Balance being on the balcony (working on the business) with being on the dance floor (working in the business).

Be clear about when people can see you and how this happens. Don’t make it too hard, just clearly articulated. Leaders need to be empathic, to build relationships and to do what they say they will do. Your way of communicating with others is vital – and part of this is the ability to listen really well and to consider the diverse strengths of your team.

When communicating with staff be clear about what you are asking them to do and how you will be making a decision. Consider the following four quadrants, from the work of Wilf Jarvis:

• Quadrant One – I’ll decide.
• Quadrant Two – We’ll discuss and I’ll decide.
• Quadrant Three – We’ll discuss and we’ll decide.
• Quadrant Four – You decide. Call me if you need assistance.

Develop your staff so they understand which quadrant is being used. This not only builds their leadership capacities and moves them towards interdependence, but also establishes clear expectations.