It is at this point that many planned change efforts fail. Failure of planned change is common because change leaders or initiators often do not anticipate, or adequately address, the resistance to change which is as natural and as certain as life itself. The resistance aspect of change can make it or break it. Dealing with resistance is a crucial phase of the cycle of change. Understanding, addressing, and embracing resistance is thus a critical process in understanding and managing change.
Cumulative energy leads to action.
If properly addressed, resistance can be dealt with, harnessed, transformed toward positive action and the desired image of planned change. Otherwise, resistance can lead to failure or to outcomes other than those desired by leadership. The action that results creates change, a new combination of organizational elements resulting from the actions above. Successful change may be similar to the desired future which was envisioned. Unsuccessful change may instead result in scenarios similar to the past, but with new knowledge, firm resistance, poor morale, or other undesired outcomes.