Blog Summary on "THE OPEN DOOR: HONEST AND INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP" by our Gold Member Sanjay Moralwar.
Book Overview
This is book delves on the fact that “Open Door” philosophy should not be merely as a physical policy in the organization but should be actual culture of the organization. The author mentions that true leadership comes from vulnerability, listening and safety. He also discusses the way how the leaders can remove the invisible barriers which will then make all the employee feels that every team member will be seen and heard regardless of his / her rank.
Why is it relevant?
In the current unpredictable scenario of the corporate landscape traditional “command and control” leaderships ways are failing. It demonstrates how to address this leadership concern and how leaders can practise Trust Building, Inclusion and Retention to ensure successful leadership.
Key Takeaway –
The book emphasizes that Leadership is a service and not a status.
Ideas he could extract from the book:
- The “Open Door” is a mindset, culture and not a policy.
- Leaders need to practise basic honesty even when delivering difficult news. When the employees know the reason (why) behind decisions, there is more likelihood of employees to align and make a meaningful contribution to the company’s vision.
- The third idea is that the leadership needs to practise active listening. This involves listening to understand and not respond, reaching out to the most silent voice of the team and confirming the understanding the diverse perspectives to drive innovation.
- The most important idea which I could extract was leadership needs to provide or create an environment of safety for high performing teams. Such teams then understand that it is safe to take risks, commit mistakes while challenging the status quo without been punished, the organisation then becomes creative and strong.
Sanjay’s Personal Reflection –
1. What stood out?
There is a shift in the thinking. Instead the Leader having a power over his team it is power shared with the team. Leader often think that open door is his / her kindness which is not correct it is the leaders duty. One more point is that the leader is approachable and correctable to his subordinates is new normal away from the traditional ego-driven leadership.
2. What changed his thinking?
Typically we relate success of a leader by his engagement and noise. This book has shifted his perspective than if the open-door policy is still not allowing one’s team to come forward then that does not mean it is a sign of peace but it is failed culture. Sanjay’s understanding of inclusion also changed to making sure people don’t feel like they will be judged or punished for speaking up.
How it connects to your journey?
Become more available and accessible. Responding specifically to queries then just giving stereo type answers. Accepting one’s mistakes and say NO when one do not have an answer. It is not necessary that a leader has answers to questions and solutions to all problems.
Sanjay’s Practical Reflection –
How he will apply 1-2 ideas in real life.
After reading the book he has realised that he has a bad habit of not allowing the other person to complete his speech or thought in a group discussion. Sanjay needs to practise the art of being patient and listen completely to the other person. After he has paused, He needs to digest what he has said and respond only if needed. Many a times a discussion does not require a response but he jumps and start responding, in the process, kill the thought, idea which my team member would want to present. As this is a major shift for him, would want practise only this one idea just now. Once he gets a feedback from his team members that he has improved on this idea he will take up any other ideas.
Closing –
Who should read and why?
This is essentially a guide for those leaders who manage people, but it is also tailored for those leaders finding their way through the modern, multi-generation work force.
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