Open Loop Communication: A manifesto

vivianimbriotis | May 12, 2025, 2:19 a.m.

1. Statements should be directed at the whole room. This maximizes the number of people who could potentially carry out a demand. Never waste time directing a request at anyone in particular. Requests should be loud for the same reason.

2. Be firm and assertive. Don't ask, require. 

3. Inspire a sense of psychological unsafety in others - this encourages them to jump when you say jump, and discourages useless contributions. A good way to do this is to ask for something, then when someone tells you it has been carried out, do not react or acknowledge that you have heard them in any way. 

4. Remember, you are the expert - you do not need to receive any information that you haven't specifically asked the room for, and you are not missing anything.

5. The hospital is a machine that exists to carry out your will, and for no other purpose. 

6. There is no resource more important than your attention. Never make eye contact if this would distract your from your relevant task

7. Whatever you are doing right now is the most important aspect of the situation

8. Whatever you are concerned about is the most important aspect of the situation

9. Whatever pertains to your specialty is the most important aspect of the situation

10. Ego is good - confidence breeds competence. Never believe you could be making a mistake. Your knowledge base has no holes.