"Ready or not, we’re going to launch next month." This phrase often circulates from management during periods of structural change and tends to mark the starting point of confusion, disruption, and resistance. In later assessments of legacy issues, the same reflection is often echoed from leaders and team members alike: "They told us, 'Ready or not,' and we were absolutely not ready." It's not always a story of complete failure — but one of missed signals, misaligned actions, and the long shadow of a rushed, pressured launch.
