Open Loops
Introduction
Open loops are any commitments, tasks, decisions or uncertainties that remain unresolved in someone’s mind or workflow. They can be:
- A decision that hasn’t been made
- A task without a clear next step
- An unanswered email
- A problem with unclear ownership
- A concern or tension that hasn’t been discussed
- A project with vague timelines or success criteria
Some examples: “…
- Conversations that nearly happened but were postponed (“We should talk about your role in the new structure in the new year.”)
- Vague commitments (“Let’s explore that idea sometime.”)
- Half-formed expectations (“I thought you were going to take the lead on that.”)…”
Michelle Gibbings, 2025n
The concept is widely recognised in productivity psychology, cognitive science and organisational behaviour.
Delays caused by open loops have a cognitive cost as they consume mental bandwidth, ie they carry emotional and relational weight.
The brain treats unresolved commitments like “mental tabs” that stay open, pulling attention, creating stress and reducing clarity.
“…Unfinished work does not simply sit harmlessly on a task list. It occupies cognitive and emotional space……The work might be paused or on ‘go slow’, but the brain keeps spinning and thinking about it…”
Michelle Gibbings, 2025n
In teams, open loops multiply: they create confusion, slow momentum and reduce trust.
NB Research has shown that interrupted tasks are more readily recalled than completed ones.
“…Unfulfilled goals and unfinished tasks remain cognitively ‘active’ and can interfere with performance on subsequent tasks that require focus and executive function……unfinished tasks at the end of the working week are associated with increased rumination and poorer sleep over the weekend…… When we switch from one task to another, part of our attention remains stuck at previous activity, particularly if it is left incomplete or unresolved. This reduces our capacity to engage in the next piece of work fully…… Unfinished work also distorts your sense of progress, as your attention is drawn to what remains outstanding…”
Michelle Gibbings, 2025n
Summary
“…- Unfinished tasks are highly memorable
- They prompt rumination and worry
- They impair sleep and recovery
- They made it harder to focus on what is in front of you…”
Michelle Gibbings, 2025n