An open door policy is a privilege not a right. When you have an open door for your friends or neighbors or family or just anyone, it means that you are letting them know you are open for them to come talk to you about anything. For them to ask you about anything and for you to generally help them any time they need it. But it doesn’t mean to take advantage of the situation.

There are many different open door policies. Some can be strict while others are freely open and really encourage their ideals of their open door policy. Others show different ways to represent that they are willing to help anyone. For instance, at a business, someone could leave their door open in their office to let people know to just walk in and talk about what they need. Or actually write a sign saying ‘I’m always open to talk to or to just spread the word.’ There are many ways you can get out your policy (http://analytical-mind.com/2009/11/18/what-does-i-have-an-open-door-policy-really-mean/).

An open door policy for others isn’t always such a good idea though. Having spending so much time helping people, you might lose track in what needs to be done for yourself. Like if there is a huge project due by the end of the week and all the time is spent helping others, then the person is in a dilemma. People might use it as to linger around, not get their work done, be lazy and just be rude about it, or take advantage of it and insult the person. All that, isn’t fair for the person who has the open door policy.

Good communication is key for an open door policy (http://blogs.hbr.org/research/2010/05/good-communication-goes-beyond.html). If people are consuming you with all this stuff and won’t leave you alone when its just not a good time, then tell them its not a good time. Tell them that it’s just one of those times where alone time is needed and to try to find someone else to help them or wait an hour or so and then come back. Don’t be rude about it and yell at them to leave you alone, but be firm and respective. If people are coming at a right time, make sure to tell them that you’re always willing to help them and that they come at a good time. Any way, remember, an open door policy might not work for some, but never give up on it and always do the right thing.