My door is always open
Do you ever commit to things which you possibly can’t achieve?
In his nationally televised state of the union address, President Barack Obama said he wanted to hear all ideas and my door is always open.
Really?
So if I just happened to go to Washington DC and went to the White House, I would immediately be let into the oval office to talk with him.
Okay, that’s ridiculous, I’m an ordinary citizen.
But you mean if any senator, congressman just wanted to talk they could simply walk in?
Doubtful, Very doubtful.
They could see the president but an appointment would need to be made since his schedule is pretty busy.
Well, so is yours.
Do you ever use that blanket statement my door is always open? Do you ever hear anyone else say it?
It’s a standard which you couldn’t possibly meet.
Now you can say, what’s the harm, it’s only a statement, everyone uses it, and no one means it literally.
But this kind of thinking sets you up. It gets you to not keep your word. Not keeping our word leads to miscommunication. Miscommunication is one of the biggest challenges of all managers, leaders and entrepreneurs.
When dealing with direct reports who need your guidance it would be more meaningful to say something like if you have any questions, email me anytime. This gives them an avenue of support without you committing how long it will take for you to get back to them. (Unless you tell them you’ll respond right away, but that’s another issue!).
When we realize what we say matters and stop saying the colloquialisms everyone says:
• People will start to take what we say more literally
• We get help facilitate clear direction in getting things done
• We stand apart from most managers, leaders and entrepreneurs
What expressions do you hear which you know are meaningless when said?
Comment here!