I think the policy is similar but the reasoning is different. His is, IIRC, closer to "phone calls are not the most efficient use of my time; I prioritize efficiency very highly; you will deal." It is similar to e.g. a standing policy to tell employees "If you require any decision from me regarding an issue where you could resolve the issue yourself for under $100, resolve the issue and add it to a spreadsheet. I will periodically have someone review that spreadsheet. Rationale: These issues do not require my input to be resolved to the benefit of the business, some more pressing issues do, accordingly, we optimize me out of this process."