Force Field Analysis
- Typical duration:
- 30m
A change-management tool that maps the driving forces pushing toward a desired change and the restraining forces resisting it, revealing where to focus effort.
Purpose
Force Field Analysis, created by Kurt Lewin, visualises the equilibrium between forces that support a change (driving forces) and forces that resist it (restraining forces). By making both sides explicit, the team can strategically strengthen drivers or weaken restrainers rather than pushing harder against invisible resistance.
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Group size | 4–15 participants |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy–Medium |
| Facilitation style | Analytical, visual |
| Setting | In-person or remote |
How to run
- Define the change (3 min): Write the desired change or decision at the top. Draw a vertical line down the centre.
- Brainstorm driving forces (8 min): On the left, list all forces pushing toward the change. Rate each 1–5 for strength.
- Brainstorm restraining forces (8 min): On the right, list all forces resisting the change. Rate each 1–5.
- Assess the balance (5 min): Compare total scores. Where is the equilibrium? Which restraining forces are strongest?
- Plan actions (6 min): For the top restraining forces, brainstorm ways to reduce them. For weak driving forces, brainstorm ways to strengthen them.
Materials needed
- Whiteboard or flip chart divided into two columns
- Sticky notes and markers
- Scoring scale (1–5)
Pitfalls & common mistakes
- Only listing drivers: The restraining side is where the actionable insight lives.
- Ignoring emotional forces: Political resistance, fear of change, and cultural inertia are real forces.
- Treating scores as precise: The numbers indicate relative strength, not absolute measurement.
- No action plan: The analysis must lead to specific interventions.
Inclusion & accessibility
- Use silent brainstorming to surface forces that people may hesitate to voice.
- Label forces clearly for accessibility.
- Consider anonymous submission for politically sensitive restraining forces.
Variations
- Weighted Force Field: Multiply each force's strength by its changeability to find the best intervention targets.
- Stakeholder Force Field: Map forces per stakeholder group.
- Force Field + Action Plan: Extend with a RACI for each planned intervention.
When NOT to use this
- When the change is already decided and irreversible — analysis creates false hope of stopping it.
- When the team lacks the authority to address any restraining forces.
- For trivial decisions that do not involve competing forces.
Source & further reading
- Kurt Lewin, "Frontiers in Group Dynamics" (1947)
- MindTools: Force Field Analysis
- Gamestorming: Force Field Analysis
Turn the building blocks into an agenda
Create the day, drag the blocks into the order you have in mind, and let the times work themselves out. Or describe what you are planning to your AI and let it write the first draft.
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