Practicing Organization Development, 5th Edition

CHAPTER TWELVEClosure: Unleashing Energy for Learning and Agility

Ann M. Van Eron and W. Warner Burke

The final phase in the organization development (OD) consulting process, often overlooked, is closure. Far from being a mere formality, effective closure is a critical juncture that can significantly influence the success and sustainability of an OD intervention. When facilitated with intentionality and care, closure not only consolidates the gains achieved but also releases and generates energy for future endeavors.

Closure carries a unique emotional weight, often accompanied by a mix of sentiments that range from relief to apprehension. Recognizing and honoring these emotions is vital. Providing a space for all participants to express their thoughts and feelings, and offering empathy, understanding, and recognition in response, can unleash energy toward enhanced learning and agility. This emotional processing is not merely cathartic; it is a strategic necessity that fuels ongoing development and adaptability.

Effective closure amplifies and sustains the benefits of an OD intervention. It serves as a bridge, ensuring that the lessons learned and the progress made are not only retained but also built upon in subsequent projects. It is the keystone that locks in the value of the current intervention while laying a robust foundation for future growth and transformation.

Key actions throughout the OD process contribute to effective closure. These include conducting a thorough ...