There is a myth in school leadership that a “Good Principal” always has an open door. We are told that if the door is closed, we are hiding, we aren’t transparent, or we don’t care.
I want to challenge that.
As a young administrator, I realized quickly that if my door was open 100% of the time, I was actually a worse leader. I was drowning in interruptions, which meant my paperwork (504s, discipline reports, IEPs) piled up. Then, when I was with teachers, I was distracted because I was thinking about the unfinished work.
I developed a new philosophy: My Open Door Policy requires a Closed Door Strategy.
Here is how I balance being accessible with being effective, and how I communicate that to my staff without hurting the school culture.
The 5% Rule: When the Door Shuts
My door is open 95% of the day. If I am in my office, students, parents, and teachers are welcome.
But there is a specific 5% of my work that requires Undivided Attention.
- The “Heavy” Paperwork: Legal documentation, 504 plans, and discipline referrals. These aren’t just forms; they are legal records that impact a child’s future. I cannot do them halfway while chatting about the weekend.
- The “Emotional” Calls: Calling a parent about a suspension or a sensitive issue. I need silence to handle that with care.
When I am doing this work, I close the door. Not because I am hiding, but because I am working.
Communication: Clear is Kind
The problem isn’t the closed door; it’s the mystery. If staff don’t know why the door is closed, they assume the worst (“He’s mad,” “He’s hiding”).
I stopped letting them guess. I told them explicitly:
“If my door is closed, it means I am handling confidential student matters or legal paperwork. As soon as that task is done—usually in 45 minutes—the door opens back up.”
Now, when they walk by and see the door shut, they don’t think, “He’s unavailable.” They think, “He’s handling business so he can be available later.”
The “Open Door” Mindset (It’s not just physical)
An Open Door Policy isn’t just about the hinges on your doorframe. It’s about your Presence.
If my door is open, but I am staring at my screen typing while you talk to me, my door is effectively closed.
My rule is simple: If the door is open, I am open.
- If a teacher walks in, I stop typing.
- I turn my chair.
- I make eye contact.
- I yell “Hello!” to people walking by in the hallway.
I view administration as a Mission Field of Service. My job is to serve people. By closing my door to crush the paperwork efficiently, I buy myself the freedom to be fully present for the people-work the rest of the day.
The Takeaway
Don’t be a martyr who tries to work in a fishbowl 24/7.
It is okay to close the door to do the deep work.
But when you open it, make sure you are truly open.