How open is the open door policy?

2015-05-06T21:08:07-04:00

In all of the unit's I was attached to during my time in the military they all had the open door policy. I always felt like it was more for show than anything else. Anyone who has been in the military knows that you have to utilize your NCO support channel and your chain of command. What happens when there is a breakdown, maybe someone is doing something unethical and you feel like this is something you need to bring to the attention of your commander? The few times I had exhausted my resources and brought something forward I was always given flak by my NCO's. Than you feel like you can't use that open door policy and you almost feel like you have to just suffer in silence. Than the opposite happens and your commas will blame you for not using the open door policy. Maybe it was just me... Are there any commanders out there who have truly pushed the open door policy? Is it something you value as a leader or something you feel obligated to put out there? Do too many soldier take advantage of this? Does it apply to spouses or are they supposed to adhere as well?

What do you think?

Response by SPC Chad Kolod made May 6 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-05-06T21:10:46-04:00

Edit: auto correct changed Commander to commas in one part. I apologize as I am typing from my phone. Big thumbs small screen.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 6 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-05-06T21:25:40-04:00

Depends on the chain.

In theory, theory, there shouldn't be that many people between you and the 1SG. Team leader, Squad Leader, PSG, 1SG, CSM. The number of people you would ever have to jump is minimal. In theory, it's going to get resolved "low" anyways.

If you have a problem with your TL, you should be able to go to your SL, if he can't fix it, then PSG, etc. The big thing is actually making the attempt to fix it before escalating up. Most people don't. They sit on a problem, and leadership can't fix a problem if they don't actually know about it.

Squeaky wheel gets the grease. Someone has to say "SGT/1SG/SGM, I have a problem, and I need some help, advice, etc." Heck, a lot of times, going to your TL/SL/PSG and saying "I have a problem I'm not sure you can help me with, but I think the SL/PSG/1SG can, can you set up a meeting?" will instantly get you in the door, and get you an ally for whatever it is.

So, that "feeling" of it being of just for show, is more internal than anything else. It's a desire not to waste people's time on what subconsciously we feel we should be able to resolve ourselves. That "self-reliance" kicking in, however, there's a certain point where asking for help is a strength, and why the open door policy exists. The idea is that a troop will use good judgement an escalate appropriate matters. It's a fine line, which I think troops generally are over-cautious about.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 9:30 PM

2015-05-06T21:30:28-04:00

The open door policy is a good one, if utilized properly, but if not applied correctly it can be a double-edged sword.

I have an open door policy and tell all my troops that if they literally see my door open, then they're free to stop in and chat. This is meant for idle conversation, general bonding as a unit, and getting to know one another better.

Now, if what they bring up is something that is a CoC issue, I always ask them, "Have you asked your chain of command?" If the answer is no, I send them off to utilize what the military has in place for a reason. If the answer is yes, I ask them if they've utilized their entire chain. I have yet to see an issue that couldn't be resolved by utilizing the command structure.

Personally, I like it and it lets my troops know that I'm approachable, but I NEVER use it to usurp the CoC. That said, I've seen other commanders improperly use it and the troops then see it as a means to force getting what they're after by driving it from the top down.

SPC Chad Kolod, you may get better results by posting this in another section (other than family), as it's more military related. Just a suggestion.

Response by SPC Chad Kolod made May 6 at 2015 9:37 PM

2015-05-06T21:37:16-04:00

I really appreciate your response. I have found if used correctly the open door policy is a tool that can definitely help. What I have seen others experience is when your CoC cannot fix an issue so you set up that meeting and than members of your CoC feel slighted. I personally think if you can't fix something within your CoC than somewhere along the way one of your superiors should even acknowledge this and suggest speaking with your CD-R/1SG but sometimes pride gets in the way. Thanks again for a great response!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 9:55 PM

2015-05-06T21:55:23-04:00

SPC Chad Kolod If you went to them 1st and they didn't resolve the issue and then you went higher, their flak back at you is a result of their failure...Unfortunate...but reality. As a 1SG, many times when a Soldier came to use the Cdr and My Open Door Policy, the 1st question I would ask is who in their chain did they go to for help in getting the issue resolved. If no one... I would listen, then tell them to go back and discuss it with his Section Chief and PSG. IF they couldn't solve it, come back and see me. I would then bring in the PSG on the side, inform him of the program and if he didn't know what to do, help him out so it would appear as if the Soldier's immediate leadership were more capable then he thought and would not hesitate to come to them in the future.

Now if the Soldier had brought it up his leadership and they didn't handle it right, I tore into their ass, and put it in writing for the PSG and the Cdr did the same for the Plt Ldr. This was to ensure they got off their ass and didn't let it happen a 2nd time. I then called the Soldier back in and helped with his issue.

There may come a time when a Soldier's issue are personal and I ensured that was respected. I ensured he got the help he needed and the only other's who knew were myself, the XO and the Commander.

If serious enough and all levels or organizational leadership fail, there is always the IG. Repercussions..oh hell yeah...openly...better not be...but there always is. So be sure it's a serious enough issue to warrant taking it outside the unit. Some leaders don't it, don't understand the responsibilities they have to their Soldiers and see themselves a figureheads. They need to be cut off at the knees and made examples for other figureheads to see and be warned it can happen to them if they don't smarten up.

This is how it worked back in my days as 1SG from 89-96...but that doesn't answer your question I regret to say. Unfortunately this is another of a long list of issues I have with leadership in my "today's Army".

No I don't think it was just you. I have seen units next door whose Open Door Policy was always shut and existed only on paper.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 6 at 2015 10:11 PM

2015-05-06T22:11:14-04:00

While the open door policy does have its place, it should not be used as an alternative to the CoC. Of course there are those very rare circumstances where a member may not feel comfortable discussing it with their immediate CoC but in those cases even a courtesy "Hey, I need to talk to the CMC (or whomever else you feel can address your problem) but I don't feel comfortable telling you the reason." There is the even more rare occasion where your immediate CoC themselves may be the problem, but if that is the case you had better make 100% sure of yourself and the facts before you go putting someone on blast.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 11:27 PM

2015-05-06T23:27:25-04:00

I think as LCDR Foster above mentioned, it can be a double-edged sword.
I have seen the open-door policy work more times than not.
The only times I felt it did not work the way it was intended, was when the people between the commander and the individual were adversarial, as they were well aware they were the reason for the person using the open door policy.

the most common problem is that troops feel there will be backlash after using the open door policy.
Maybe not directly, but indirectly.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 7 at 2015 12:14 AM

2015-05-07T00:14:17-04:00

SPC Chad Kolod First, AR 600-20 requires the open door policy, as well as several others. How it is implemented depends on the Commander, and the level of Command. We want Soldiers and Families to utilize their chains of command, as most issues can (A) be solved by your chain of command, and (B) even if you bring an issue to the Commander... We generally pass it back to the chain of command to resolve.

I believe in the open door policy, and always allowed at any time. However, I also wanted to know who was coming, why, and was their chain of command aware. This was mostly so I could be prepared to discuss the issues intelligently vs. telling someone I will have to get back with you.

As an final example, in my last job as Garrison Commander for an Army Installation with over 45,000 Soldiers, Families, and Civilians, I had an open door policy. But, I could also not allow everyone who had a concern or issue to wonder in non-stop. I needed to who, what, when, where, why and how... so, I could be prepared. My staff also asked routinely, if the individual had discussed the concern with their chain of command... many times the answer was no. The chain of command works.

The open door policy works too, but the chain of command can also address just about any issue before the open door policy is needed. Even if you use the open door policy, most times it is your chain of command who ends up dealing with your concerns.

Chain of command first, and if that fails, use the open door. The open door, when used properly is a great tool, that in some cases is what is needed to compel your chain of command to get involved.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 7 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-05-07T11:01:30-04:00

I remember once our CSM said he sponsored an open door policy Monday morning during formation. After the batallion commander dismissed us to conduct operations, one of the Sergeants in my platoon when to go see the CSM to voice greviences. He is actually one of my close friends and we talked about his problems in the unit so I had an idea of what he was using the open door policy for. Soon after that, he was sent to work at BN to work out his issues. Today is actually doing well and is a Team Leader in a sister unit.