Cultural and linguistic barriers can all too easily mean that you remain out of the loop when it comes to sudden decisions. Getting in the loop starts with thanking people for keeping you up to date in the first place: “Thanks for keeping me in the loop on this.” The English idiom ‘in the loop’ refers to a group which is kept continuously infor-med and is analogous to the expression “on the inside track”. As the pace of business continues to accelerate, others will also appreciate your efforts to include them and feel more disposed to reciprocate: “Just to keep you in the loop, here is the feedback from yesterday’s meeting.” Avoid possible misunderstandings before they impact on relations: “Unfortunately, I had no influence over this decision.” Filter the e-mail flood by articulating your expectations at the outset: “I’d appreciate if you kept me informed on this.” Take the time to reassure others in the loop, even when there is no new information: “As soon as I hear anything I’ll let you know.” Several decades ago, Marshall McLuhan suggested that “The new electronic interdependence recreates the world in the image of a global village.” Today’s reality is more like a patchwork quilt with cultural borderlines. Keeping others in the loop is the best way to stay in it yourself.
