Ask For Permission

The Captain of the aircraft carrier USS Midway (now a naval museum in San Diego) was the highest ranking person on the ship. Even so, the Captain would not enter the Chief Petty Officer (CPO) cafeteria without express permission. He would instead ask to speak to a CPO, would wait outside and someone would go inside and bring the CPO to the Captain for the requested audience. The Captain could have simply walked into the CPO cafeteria, but did not. It was not due to policy or protocol, but out of respect. As a leader, I know many of your employees in the current climate are lucky to have jobs. I know you have the right to impose deadlines, and that you expect your teams to work and be available when you reach out. But remember, now work has invaded their domain and while you certainly can enter, asking for permission is far more respectful and effective.