Close the loop

Famous American comedienne Lily Tomlin says: “Ninety-eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hard-working, honest Americans. It’s the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them.”

Why do some politicians have such bad reputations? Maybe because they are good at one thing; making promises that never come true.

When the campaign season starts, the same promises will be offered –yet again. In many cases, the campaigns already started and I thought that candidates are not supposed to campaign unless given the official go-signal by the government.

But then, this is the Philippines. As long as what you do is not illegal (find the law loopholes, look at the law gaps, we have a battalion of lawyers who are experts in this area) never mind the moral implications.

Just follow the letter of the law and forget the spirit of the law. And these people might be our next leaders in government. Promises, more promises, and even more promises.

Suddenly we see these politicians as champions of the masses. And the masses are suddenly visible in their political radars. They give the masses empty hopes and assurance until election day. Isn’t it amazing how this game is played over and over? After the election, only promises remain, and the masses are left hanging. The loop is never closed. It’s frustrating.

But do you know that the same principle happens in business?

Did you ever experience a medical test in your physician’s office, and the nurse said, “We’ll call you.” and then two weeks later and still no call? Then you begin to wonder, “What if they lost the blood sample? How can I be sure if everything is okay?”

When people don’t close the loop, they leave the other person hanging. Not only it is distracting, it can also subtly erode a relationship, like in politics.

Professional people do not leave people hanging. They close the loop.

Anyone can follow up. It’s a simple matter of being con-scientious and disciplined.

Here are some suggestions:

• When somebody sends you an invitation, respond quickly. It’s a pain for organizers not to know whether you are coming or not.

• When somebody sends you a text message and you got the details or specifics then make sure you acknowledge them. It may be as simple as, “Got it. Thanks. See you there.”

• When somebody emails you, and you need to forward it to somebody else, carbon copy or cc the one who sent it so that he or she knows you have done your part.

• When a referral is made, tell your friend or colleague you have reached out to the new person; it would be great to tell how it went.

• When you make a promise, deliver. Double check and make sure that everyone in the deal knows about it.

In other words, close the loop.

Don’t be the person who leaves other people hanging. I’ve known people in the industry who are exactly like this and it’s an image that is hard to shake.

If you can’t decide right away, say so and leave information as to when you can reply properly.

This is what professionals do. This is what decent, honest and trustworthy people do.

Close the loop in everything you do and encourage others to do the same.

This principle is as simple as “Doing unto others, as if you were the others.” -Francis J. Kong (The Philippine Star)