Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. There are numerous instances even while communicating with former colleagues or clients on WhatsApp, where the two blue ticks don’t necessarily lead to a response.

I won’t be surprised if you have experienced something similar!

The irony is that we all know that authentic communication plays an important role in our success. And why not, after all, the way we choose to communicate impacts the way the world sees us.

However, it turns out that this is easier said than done.

Naturally, for those at the receiving end, the absence of communication may lead to ambiguity. But, what I find much more dangerous, is that not closing the loop leads to assumptions.

So, what makes closing this metaphorical loop so difficult, and more importantly, why should you do it?

The latter is especially true for the times when we think that we don’t have anything positive to share.

Here’s why I think you should always consider closing the loop:

1. To take control of your credibility
   Consider every opportunity to close the loop as an opportunity to establish your intention and integrity. You would be surprised to know how far a simple acknowledgement or a short but direct answer can go in giving your credibility a boost.
2. To show respect
   We’re prone to trivializing emails and messages especially when they pose questions we may not have positive answers to. Consider a person who displays the interest to work with your company. Upon receiving and viewing the CV, you can tell that this person has the potential but is not a great fit for the current requirements. What do you do? I am well aware of the trend of not responding to such emails. After all, what could you possibly say? Turns out, a lot. From sharing constructive feedback to letting them know that there could be possibilities of collaborating in the future; with a few words, you can turn an email conversation into something more meaningful.
3. To display a commitment to what you do
   By effectively and proactively communicating with anyone who gets in touch with you, you are encouraging a culture of honest communication. But that’s not all, each time you respond, you are also displaying your commitment to your job.

Here’s the bottom line:
Clarity and closure build trust. So, go ahead, and take the first step - respond to all those emails, messages, and calls that are pending closure!