Most change initiatives don’t fail because the strategy is wrong. They fail because the change is forced. When pressure mounts, especially in AI-enabled, data-driven transformations, leaders are often told to push harder. Accelerate timelines. Increase mandates. Hold people “accountable” for adoption. On the surface, this looks like decisive leadership. In reality, it’s usually a warning sign. A Familiar Change Pattern The pattern is predictable. Leadership commits to a trans