12. Force Field Analysis

• Identify Solution/Proposal
• Document Forces for Change
• Document Forces Against Change
• Score Each Force and then Total
• Identify Strategies to Strengthen Support
• Identify Strategies to Lessen Objections
• Readjust Scores until Success Probability is Improved

COMMENTARY

Strengths and Weaknesses: The strength of this technique is that it clearly delineates the pros and cons of any given situation, solution or proposal. From this process, alternative strategies are easily developed.

A weakness is that this approach may be that it is too high-level for use on complex problems or solutions. Successive levels of detail may be necessary if this technique is to be used on complex problems.

Resources:

This technique is used in Total Quality Management (TQM) programs and is often referenced in those materials and books.

More Detail . . .