This method is an effective tool for making decisions and planning change.
< 24 pers.
45 – 90 min.
Flipchart paper and markers and/or Post-It notes and pens
Outline
In any situation that one wants to change, there are factors that support and hinder the intention. Analysing these factors helps to identify the most important barriers and resources for introducing the desired changes.
A forcefield analysis consists of five steps:
- Identify supporting and hindering forces: Simply list all the positive and negative factors that come to mind.
- Consider how influential these forces are, e.g. by grading each identified factor on a scale from 1 – 10.
- Select the most relevant forces: Usually 3 – 5 supportive and hindering factors are a manageable number.
- Identify polarising forces (forces that are interdependent: if I change a supportive force, it will have a direct impact on the hindering force, and vice versa).
- Develop a plan of action. It is important to include actions that will further strengthen and utilise the supportive factors identified, as well as actions that will reduce the impact of the negative forces.
Variations
When planning change or development it is useful to adapt the steps slightly:
- Set goals.
- Identify how far you have come towards achieving the goal.
- Identify the forces that hinder or support the achievement of the goal.
- Follow the process as outlined above.
