ABSTRACT
A significant role for many leaders is leading a team that is either shutting down or has several members who are being made redundant. They often have to do this where they themselves are facing redundancy. The redundancy or closure period can be protracted, lasting several months. In a redundancy and closure situation the leadership challenge of improving and sustaining collaborative effort remains the same only much more difficult. During normal operating conditions the general emotional content in the workplace is manageable. The ripple effect touches a lot more people and problems can spill over. This can impact more on the business as well as the individuals involved. Leaders need to encourage people to take personal time out to focus on the next stage of their lives and careers. Busy operational managers and other employees can be used to putting the job and current tasks above themselves and their own development.
