Beyond the Textbook

  As leaders, we are often taught that the gold standard of management is approachability. We want our teams to trust us, to feel comfortable coming to us with problems, and to know we have their backs. This usually manifests as the famous "Open Door Policy." But while the intention is noble, the reality is often a trap. Without careful management, an open door can quickly become a revolving door of interruptions, leaving you with zero time to focus on high-impact work. Finding the balance between being a supportive leader and a productive individual is one of the hardest challenges in management—but it is essential for your long-term success. The High Cost of Being "Always Available" In my early years of management, before I truly understood time management, I fell hard into this trap. I was so dedicated to supporting my team and completing my own tasks that I ended up working practically non-stop. My day was a series of interruptions. I was constantly distracted,...