Open door policy

I inherited a 'Meeting in progress' sign when I took my current position (and office) around eighteen months ago. I gave a dual function, line manager to twenty staff, and course leader to 118 students - there's a further five hundred students in my Department as a whole and numerous admin, support and other-function colleagues. I like being available, but for pastoral care guidance and confidential student or staff issues, the sign goes on the door.

Overall though I have an open-door policy. That's a literal thing as much as possible, but it extends to answering emails remotely and, of course, tweets. Apps on my iPhone for the latter two help of course, and whether it's a 'customer service' thing with me, or genuine interest and curiosity, I'll get back to you, and pretty swiftly. I received 127 emails between 7.30am and 6.30pm yesterday, so I'm not always great at responding pdq, but I'll do my best (test me on Twitter, I'm @adprJohn).

Do I switch off? Of course I do. It's an aim to do my best, not to stress or be attached to my phone. My phone is with me for much of the day, but I can be without it and not panic - I know some who sleep with their phone and have it literally within reach 24/7. Not so much for me, and I recognise that we may not fully understand the scientific/health implications of cellular attachment (I made that phrase up). Only sensible to take a degree of caution I guess. And so it is with an open-door policy. It's nice to grab a sandwich or a coffee, to close the door for me-time, but I suppose it's a choice I've made, a policy decision.

Disclaimer: I should add that i also have, y'know, work to do. Also, don't test me on this - ha, but my door's open - pop in.