Why your ‘open door policy’ may not be working

BANGKOK — When Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus assumed the top leadership role at the World Health Organization last year, he immediately instituted an “open hour” every Thursday, inviting staff of any level to sign up for a 15-minute face-to-face meeting.  

In early 2017, after taking on the role of Catholic Relief Services chief executive officer overseeing 5,400 staff around the world, Sean Callahan relocated his own desk from the usual president’s office to a more modest room next door.

The former president’s office is now a conference room for all staff — a symbol of good stewardship, Callahan said, and a literal interpretation of inviting staff into the “executive” space more regularly.

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