The Open Door Policy

I like the idea of an open door policy. People are welcome to come and have a chat and share ideas or concerns with me. This extends to the students. Unlike the staff who will swing past and share an idea or seek some advice, students need to book a time with the front office. Students then sit in my office with me to share an idea, a concern, or (more often that not) some new initiative that we should have at the school. The ideas that students have always fill my heart with joy. I truly believe the future is in good hands.

I was speaking to a parent recently who was mortified that her child spent time in my office. She said to me, 'My child told me that she went to your office to talk through an idea. Why would she do this? Why didn't you call me? She's not allowed to just go to your office. you're too busy for that'. I explained to the parent that her child and a friend wanted to start a card making group in the library one lunchtime per week, and they booked an appointment to talk to me about it.

This parent then said, 'My daughter said she was going to get up at assembly and talk about it. Don’t make her get up. She will make a fool out of herself’. I thought this was interesting, and I replied, "The idea isn't ready yet. The girls need to plan out their idea a bit more, then they need to write a script, then they need to practise with me, and then they will speak at the assembly. This mum said, "Well, I don’t think they will get organised to that point. What if they don’t have everything ready? "I laughed and said "80% of kids don’t have everything ready, and never get to the talking at assembly part.”

This poor parent still didn't understand. 'So why do you let them meet with you?' she asked still looking frustrated. 

My reply was simple.

'Because I want them to know that I take what they say seriously'.

The act of listening to an idea gives students the foundation of care and understanding. How can we possibly expect kids to come to us with big problems if they don't feel they can see us with their ideas, thoughts or issues. I love hearing students talk through ideas they have for different ways to improve the school. When I say to them 'I like your idea, what’s your next step?’ there are some that run with the idea and others who think 'Well, I told you, now you need to do it for me'.
As this parent continued to talk, another parent must have heard part of the conversation.  'Thank you for listening to my child,' this parent said, joining our conversation. 'My son asked for some cricket equipment, and you listened to him and asked how he would make it work on the playground.  I love that he feels empowered enough to come to the principal to talk through things. It was such a boost to his confidence. How lucky are we that our kids are able to spend time with the principal when they have an idea’. The first parent heard this, folded her arms and said 'well I’m shocked my child would have had the nerve to come and talk to you' I replied 'Not only did she do this but she went to the office, booked an appointment to see me and came back for her appointment with her idea'.
The parent hesitated.'Just don’t make her get up on assembly to talk. She won't be ready.'

I wish she knew just how capable her child was.

The child never did speak at assembly, and the idea for the card making class never actually eventuated. I'm not sure whether this was due to a changing interest or a pointed conversation at home after my interaction that day.
now, having heard this story, take a moment to think of the many interactions you have in a day. If someone has an idea, could you let them run with it? Do you take their idea seriously? As a leader, sometimes we feel like I have to act upon every suggestion. This is not the case. By allowing each suggestion to be heard and providing space for the suggestion to grow, some will flourish, and some will not.
This is the difference between noise and voice. It's all well and good to say 'this should happen' or 'that needs to change', but it's what happens next, and who runs with it that is truly empowering.
As I said, the future is in good hands, students have amazing ideas, perhaps it's us who are not as open. Let's not close off the opportunity before they have a chance to try.

Anne-Marie