5 Reasons to Begin with Closed-Loop Communication

Closed-loop communication, a technique borrowed from high-stakes environments like aviation, hospital trauma care and the military, has proven to be efficient in high stress situations. It revolves around a structured system where the sender not only transmits a message but also ensures its accurate reception and understanding by the receiver. Before delving into the reasons why closed-loop communication is pivotal in crisis situations, let's explore how it works and some examples of its implementation.

Closed-Loop Communication in Action: Imagine a crisis team leader issuing a crucial directive in the heat of the moment. Instead of a one-way transmission, closed-loop communication ensures that the receiver not only hears the message but also repeats it back, confirming their understanding. This process creates a loop of feedback, allowing the sender to verify that the information has been accurately received.

Example:

• Team Leader: "James, I want you to insert a large-bore IV, please."
• James: "You want me to insert a 16-gauge IV?"
• Team Leader: "Correct."

This simple yet structured exchange exemplifies closed-loop communication in action, providing real-time clarification and reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

The Importance of Names and Non-Verbal Cues: In crisis situations, merely issuing a command is not enough. Closed-loop communication encourages the use of names and non-verbal cues, ensuring that requests are directed to specific individuals and allowing for both verbal and non-verbal clarification:

• Team Leader (with eye contact): "Lisa, please coordinate with IT for system checks."
• Lisa (acknowledging with a nod): "Understood I check the IT."

This practice fosters an environment where requests are acknowledged, understood, and acted upon promptly.

5 Reasons

1. Precision from the Outset: Closed-loop communication is grounded in precision, originating from environments where clarity is not negotiable, such as aviation and the military. By adopting this method from the start, organizations set a standard for precision in communication, minimizing the risk of misinterpretation and errors in crisis situations.
2. Real-Time Clarity Amidst Chaos: In the midst of a crisis, chaos can reign supreme. Closed-loop communication provides a structured feedback system, ensuring that messages are not only sent but received, comprehended, and acknowledged in real-time. This clarity becomes a beacon, guiding teams through turbulent situations.
3. Minimizing Ambiguity, Maximizing Efficiency: Ambiguity in crisis scenarios can lead to dire consequences. Closed-loop communication thrives on explicit instructions and real-time clarification. By starting with this approach, organizations minimize ambiguity, enhance decision-making efficiency, and foster a proactive culture of clarity.
4. Reducing Error Rates: Errors during crises can have severe repercussions. Closed-loop communication, as evidenced in precision-critical environments, has been proven to reduce error rates significantly. By initiating crisis management with this method, organizations pave the way for a smoother, error-resistant response to unforeseen challenges.
5. Fostering a Culture of Resilience: Closed-loop communication is more than a technique; it's a cultural shift. By starting with this approach, organizations lay the foundation for a resilient culture that values clear communication, continuous improvement, and a proactive stance in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: These five reasons underscore the transformative power of initiating crisis response with a method that prioritizes precision, clarity, and real-time comprehension. Embrace closed-loop communication from the outset and fortify your organization's resilience in the unpredictable terrain of crisis management.

Thanks for reading this week's newsletter.

Wishing you a great weekend, Andreas Wadström