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High Performance Leaders Do Not Hide

I had a boss once who said he had an "open door" policy. His intention was that people would feel that it was fine to wander in, ask questions and express opinions. The problem was, his door was usually physically closed.

Or he was in a meeting. Or with a client. Or out of town. Unavailable.

I'm sure that he wasn't really hiding, but to the team it felt the same as hiding. The door wasn't open.

A high performance leader does not hide.

High performance leaders make the effort to not only SAY they are available -- they ARE available. And, they don't hide fro the hard truths, the tough rumors, or the impatient requests of their people. Though careful listening, high performance leaders discover that hiding doesn't solve any problems and facing problems doesn't cause more problems.

Is your door open?

-- Doug Smith


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