What critical step of the communication loop did the manager miss by ending the meeting abruptly without questions?

The manager missed the critical step of feedback in the communication loop by ending the meeting abruptly without allowing for questions. Feedback is an essential part of effective communication, as it ensures that the message has been understood and allows for clarification of any uncertainties. By not inviting questions or comments from the team, the manager missed the opportunity to gauge their understanding, address any concerns, and encourage a two-way dialogue.

This step is vital for fostering an environment of open communication, where team members feel valued and encouraged to share their thoughts. When feedback is absent, misunderstandings can arise, leading to potential issues in project execution or team dynamics.

In contrast, secondary information, pattern, and channel are elements that relate to the context and method of communication rather than the interactive process that feedback facilitates. Secondary information refers to additional data that might support the discussion. Patterns may involve recognizing trends in communication styles, and the channel pertains to the method used for communication, such as email, in-person meetings, etc. While these elements are important, they do not directly address the interactive nature of communication that feedback encapsulates.