Analysis · beginner · 45 min

Force Field Analysis

Force Field Analysis helps identify the driving and restraining forces affecting a change initiative. It's useful for understanding the factors that support or hinder progress.

What participants gain

  • Identify driving forces that support project progress.
  • Identify restraining forces that hinder project progress.
  • Develop strategies to strengthen driving forces and weaken restraining forces.

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or large paper
  • Markers
  • Sticky notes
  • Timer

How to run Force Field Analysis, step by step

  1. 1. Define the desired change or goal (e.g., completing the project on time).
  2. 2. Draw a vertical line down the center of the whiteboard or paper.
  3. 3. On the left side, list the driving forces that support the change.
  4. 4. On the right side, list the restraining forces that hinder the change.
  5. 5. Assign a strength score to each force (e.g., 1-5, with 5 being the strongest).
  6. 6. Analyze the forces and identify strategies to strengthen the driving forces and weaken the restraining forces.
  7. 7. Develop an action plan to implement the strategies.

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to be specific about the forces.
  • Quantify the strength of each force if possible.
  • Focus on identifying actionable strategies to strengthen driving forces and weaken restraining forces.

Common challenges

  • Identifying too many forces - Focus on the most significant ones.
  • Overestimating the strength of driving forces or underestimating the strength of restraining forces - Use data and evidence to assess the strength of each force.
  • Lack of clear action plan - Develop specific actions to address the identified forces.

Running it virtually

Use a shared whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural to create a Force Field Analysis diagram. Participants can collaboratively add and prioritize driving and restraining forces.

Expected results

A clear understanding of the driving and restraining forces affecting the project, enabling the development of targeted strategies to overcome obstacles and accelerate progress.

Build a session around Force Field Analysis

METODIC drops Force Field Analysis into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

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