The power of decision
What is it?
Force Field Analysis consists of a visual representation of the pros and cons of a situation so they can be analyzed and compared. In this sense, we can say that it views change as different forces competing with each other. The original idea was developed by the great psychologist Kurt Lewin.
There are two forces. The Accelerating Forces, calls also Dynamic or Driving Forces, which facilitate change (Driving Forces) and the Braking or Restrictive Forces, which prevent change from occurring (Restraining Forces)They can be internal or external.
This tool aims to identify these forces and relate them to potential change. That is, what would happen if the proposed change were to proceed.
Example of Accelerating Forces
These are the situations, activities, actions, knowledge, equipment, procedures, people, etc., that contribute to directing the organization/group/individual toward its objective/goal. That is, everything that fosters change.
Example of the Braking Forces
They're the opposite. They're the list of everything that tends to prevent the proposed objective/goal from being achieved. They're everything that opposes change.
Why use it?
It allows people to reflect together on all the factors that are for and against a possible path forward (desired change).
By identifying the forces or factors that support and those who go in against From the proposed solution, those who are in favor can be strengthened and those who oppose can be eliminated or at least counteracted.
It allows to broaden the perspectives by identifying both negative emotions (Forces
“Braking Forces”) and those that emphasize the need for change (Dynamic Forces)
When identifying potential obstacles that will stand in the way of finding a objective or goal, it is easier to think of a contingency plan that addresses each of them, in the event that they arise.
When is it used?
Force Field Analysis can be used anytime change is expected or sought.
It allows to identify the factors that contribute to the success or failure of the proposed solution.
It is useful when:
- It's stuck
- Possible causes and solutions are sought
- When you want to be better prepared for any eventuality.
How is it done?
First, you need to define the desired change, the target or ideal situation, and then identify the current situation, what you want to abandon.
Create a table like the one in the figure and complete it based on the brainstorming to be carried out.
Brainstorming or Brainstorming of the Accelerating Forces
Brainstorming the Ideas Braking Forces
It is important that the laws of the Brainstorming and write as many Forces (Factors) as possible.
Analyze the forces pushing toward the ideal situation. Remember that these forces can be internal or external. Write them on the left side of the table.
Analyze the forces that are restricting movement toward the ideal state. Write them on the right side of the table.
Managing the groupthink process visually helps with understanding. Use large posters to do this. Complete both lists in the table.
Prioritize the Accelerating Forces by assigning an intensity to each force using a scale of one to five.
Use one (1) if the force is weak and up to five (5) if the force is strong, depending on the degree of influence that force has on the proposed change.
Also rank the restraining forces in order of priority by assigning a “weight” to each of the factors.
When finished, add up the "weight" of the Accelerating Forces and compare it to the "weight" of the Braking Forces. See example.
Logically, if the Accelerating Forces are greater than the Braking Forces, it indicates that the proposed change is well worth the effort.
After reaching an agreement regarding the relative priority (weight) of each of the forces, an Action Plan is defined for both the Driving Forces (how to secure and enhance them) as well as for the Restraining Forces (how to eliminate or minimize them).
It is called a Force Field because the representation reminds us of a vector field where each force has a direction, a sense and an intensity.
Conclusion
Force Field Analysis gives the team the opportunity to view the proposed change from both pro and con positions.
Promotes honest reflection about the true roots of a problem and its potential solution.
It becomes a starting point for the actions to be taken. The result will be a list of required actions.
Tip: When selecting a change objective or goal, remember that simply reinforcing or “pushing” positive factors to achieve change can have the opposite effect. It is often more helpful to remove barriers. This tends to break the “bottleneck” of change rather than just reinforcing all the good reasons for it to happen.
Removing restrictions makes it easier to move forward.
