Closed-loop communication

From HandWiki
Short description: Communication technique in which every received message is confirmed by the sender

Closed-loop communication is a communication technique used to avoid misunderstandings.

When the sender gives a message, the receiver repeats this back. The sender then confirms the message, commonly using the word “yes”. When the receiver incorrectly repeats the message back, the sender will say “negative” (or something similar) and then repeat the correct message. If the sender, the person giving the message, does not get a reply back, he must repeat it until the receiver starts closing the loop. To get the attention of the receiver, the sender can use the receiver's name or functional position, touch his or her shoulder, etc.[1]

Informally, at least in engineering organizations, closing the loop means establishing an informal communication channel with another individual or organization. The expression "going open loop" is used to express the idea that someone has lost discipline, acted out of control.

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