You tell your team, “My door is always open.” It sounds supportive, but here’s the problem: when every little issue lands on your desk, you’re not leading — you’re babysitting.
An open door without boundaries creates dependency, constant interruptions, and decision fatigue. It leaves you with no time for strategy, and your team never learns to think for themselves.
It’s time to Take Off the Cape™ so your team can grow while you focus on the work only you can do.
1. Open Door Doesn’t Mean Always Available
Clarify what belongs at your desk versus what doesn’t. For example: “Bring me escalations that impact clients or deadlines — everything else, try solving first.”
2. Batch the Questions
Interruptions kill focus. Encourage your team to collect questions for daily or weekly check-ins instead of constant drop-ins.
3. Redirect Ownership Back to Them
When someone brings you a problem, don’t jump in with a fix. Ask:
- “What have you already tried?”
- “What’s your recommendation?”
- “What outcome are you aiming for?”
4. Model Boundaries
If you’re answering emails at midnight or saying yes to every request, your team will do the same. Boundaries protect both focus and performance.
Final Takeaway:
An open door without boundaries isn’t leadership — it’s enabling. Take Off the Cape™ and coach your team to bring solutions, not just problems.
