Blog Layout
When Managers Create Closure
Cathie Leimbach • August 12, 2020
How often do your conversations with team members lead to improved morale or greater productivity? How common is it for your team members to discuss a number of topics or generate several ideas but not determine any specific action steps? Maybe they expressed enthusiasm for several possible ways to improve performance but have implemented none of them. Why aren't they following through?
- As the manager, did you ask them at the end of the meeting which idea they were going to try this week?
- Did you follow up with them a few days later to see how well the new approach is working?
- As the manager, you have a responsibility to be clear about your expectations. If the purpose of your conversation is to improve productivity, ask each team member what they will do differently and when they will make the change.
- Also, ask what help they need from you to move forward with this plan. They might need training, access to additional software, or other resources to implement the new strategy.
- Be timely about checking in with them to see how well the change is going. They may have discovered some unexpected problems and need your support to work through them.
When you Create Closure at the end of a conversation or meeting, you are ensuring that you and your team members are on the same page. When they are clear on their next step, they can confidently move towards achieving team goals.
At just 19 years old, Manjit Minhas embarked on an ambitious journey to start her own wholesale liquor business. Her success didn’t happen overnight; it was the result of careful planning and determination. One of her key strategies was setting SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This method helped her clarify what she wanted to achieve and keep her focus sharp. Daily reviews of her goals were also crucial. By regularly checking her progress, she could make adjustments and stay on track. Manjit understood that surrounding herself with experienced mentors made a huge difference. These mentors provided invaluable advice, sharing their insights and helping her navigate challenges she faced in the industry. Additionally, creative negotiation played a vital role in her business dealings. Manjit learned to approach negotiations with flexibility and open-mindedness, allowing her to find win-win solutions that benefited both her and her partners. This combination of setting clear goals, seeking mentorship, and honing her negotiation skills not only set her apart from others but also laid the foundation for her successful business. Today, Manjit Minhas serves as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs everywhere, showing that hard work and smart strategies can lead to incredible achievements.
Based on “Four Cs of Effective Conversation” - The Ohio State University Leadership Center. Ever walked out of a meeting thinking everything was settled, only to realize later that key actions didn’t happen, or alignment was off? That’s because effective conversations require four key elements: clarity, candor, commitment, and completion. Clarity: Make Sure Everyone’s on the Same Page Miscommunication is one of the biggest productivity killers. It’s easy to assume people understand what’s being said, but without clear expectations, mistakes happen. Take the time to check for understanding—what’s obvious to you might not be obvious to everyone else. Candor: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Honest, direct conversations build strong teams. When people hold back their real thoughts or concerns, issues fester, and progress stalls. Creating a culture of candor—where people feel safe to speak openly—makes teams more effective and relationships stronger. Commitment: Get Specific About Next Steps A vague “I’ll handle it” often leads to dropped balls. When commitments are specific—who will do what by when—things actually get done. Leaders sometimes hesitate to ask for deadlines, fearing it feels like micromanagement, but clear commitments drive accountability without overstepping. Completion: Don’t Move On Too Soon Before wrapping up a discussion, check that everything’s been addressed. Did we answer all key questions? Does everyone know what happens next? Ensuring a topic is fully covered prevents confusion later and keeps teams aligned. Mastering these four Cs can turn routine workplace conversations into powerful tools for productivity and collaboration.