Closing the Loop
What can build up or dismantle your credibility?

Who knows how the phrase ‘closing the loop’ came about. What we do know is that it’s a commonly used expression meaning "to follow up with" or "to provide closure or resolution to."

What intrigues us here at IVC is the power those three little words have when put into action. (Likewise, neglecting to close the loop sends an equally powerful message.) This is a tool that can help boost customer service and affect your credibility for better or worse. Which would you prefer?

One-minute reality check
Take a look at today’s to-do list and circle every item that requires you to close the loop with someone. Have you given everyone status updates for projects or activities they might be worried about? Have you confirmed that you completed a task requested of you by another person, or which affects another person? Have you advised people who are expecting a call or who are scheduled to meet with you that you’re running late or needing to reschedule?

The point of closing the loop is that no one should be left wondering about the status of something; if they are, you’ve missed the boat and most likely notched up someone’s resentment of you. By the end of the day, make sure you’ve followed-up on every activity, and see the positive effect it has on you.

Of course you want to raise your Wow Quotient with your clients and colleagues, so find out how you can use the "closing the loop" phenomenon as an extremely effective communication tool, regardless of your business.

Want more practical tips? Stop by the Brain Food Cafeteria