Try This: Close the Loop

Think about a recent moment when you had to be direct, decisive, or firm. Perhaps there wasn't time for a softer conversation. Perhaps the message landed exactly as it needed to.

Now ask yourself:

Have I closed the loop?

Not by apologising for being clear—you don't owe an apology for decisive leadership. But by making sure the conversation doesn't end with the instruction alone.

Try this:

• Recognise the contribution. Be specific about what the person did well and why it mattered.

• Choose the right audience. If appropriate, acknowledge them where it will have the greatest impact—in front of colleagues, stakeholders, or leaders whose opinion they value.

• Let the recognition stand on its own. Don't dilute it by explaining or justifying why you were firm in the moment.

People rarely remember every instruction you gave under pressure.

They do remember whether they felt seen afterwards.