Strategy & Planning
Force Field Analysis
List what drives a change and what holds it back, rate each force, and see where to act.
- Time: 30 to 45 min
- With: The people who will carry the change
- You get: A weighted list of forces and the one or two to work on first
How to use this worksheet
- Write the change goal as a concrete state: "CRM used by all sales reps by June".
- Brainstorm forces on both sides. Include people, process, money, culture and timing.
- Rate each force from 1 (weak) to 5 (decisive). Be honest about how strong each really is.
- Look at the balance. Usually it is cheaper to reduce a strong restraining force than to add yet another driving force.
Forces
Add forces to each side, then rate their strength.
Driving forces
Pushing toward the change
Restraining forces
Resisting the change
Prompts
Ask yourself
- Which forces are facts and which are assumptions?
- Which restraining force could you remove cheaply?
- Who needs to be involved to change the strongest force?
Which forces will you strengthen or weaken first, who does it and by when?
Prompts and example
Example
Offer two training sessions (Sam, 15 Nov). Pilot with the sales team and publish the time saved (Priya, Q1).
Force balance
Before you finish
- The goal is a concrete future state, not an activity.
- Every force is specific and rated.
- The action plan removes restraining forces before it adds pressure.
About force field analysis
Kurt Lewin described organisational change as a balance between driving and restraining forces. A change happens when the balance tips.
The practical insight is that increasing pressure often increases resistance too. Reducing a restraining force usually creates less tension.
Recommended reading
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- Managing TransitionsWilliam Bridge
Practical guide to managing organizational change, building on Lewin's theories with modern applications.
- Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is HardChip & Dan Heath
Modern take on change management with practical frameworks for identifying and addressing driving and restraining forces.