Why "Proper" Closures Matters More Than You Think

When a project wraps up, it’s tempting to breathe a sigh of relief, pack up, and sprint to the next big thing. After all, the deliverables are done, the client is (hopefully) happy, and the team is ready to move on. But here’s the catch: skipping proper project closure is like finishing a marathon and forgetting to stretch—it might feel fine at first, but the long-term consequences can be painful.

Project closure isn’t just a box to tick; it’s a critical phase that ensures everything is tied up neatly and sets the stage for future success. It’s the moment to formally hand over deliverables, close out contracts, and—most importantly—reflect on what went well and what didn’t. Yet, in the rush to move forward, this step is often brushed aside.

Why does this matter? Without proper closure, loose ends can unravel later, leading to confusion, missed opportunities, and even financial or legal issues. More importantly, skipping the “lessons learned” process means repeating the same mistakes on the next project. Imagine spending months solving a problem, only to forget how you did it—or worse, forgetting how not to do it.

A good project closure process doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about taking the time to celebrate wins, document insights, and thank the team. It’s about asking, “What worked? What didn’t? And how can we do better next time?” These simple steps can turn a single project into a stepping stone for continuous improvement.

So, the next time you’re tempted to skip the closure phase, remember: a project isn’t truly finished until you’ve learned from it. Take the time to close it out properly—your future self (and your team) will thank you.