It is a problem of going from an open-loop to a closed-loop (feedback) system. The CEO's speech affects the outcome. "We're in trouble here" might be the output

It is a problem of going from an open-loop to a closed-loop (feedback) system. The CEO's speech affects the outcome. "We're in trouble here" might be the output of an objective assessment of the situation. But coming from the CEO it is now also an input into the situation that changes the assessment (CEO has lost faith! Panic!).