Define the best solution to a problem using force field analysis

Key information:

• Field analysis helps prepare for implementing change, predicting the success of ideas and is used in business, coaching, psychology and everyday life.
• The analysis process involves preparing a diagram, defining the target, identifying driving and inhibiting forces, and then evaluating those forces.
• The key is to eliminate objections and resistance to reinforcing the driving forces, and to consolidate new attitudes by introducing patterns and benefits.
• Analysis of the force field allows for thoughtful and sustainable execution of changes, control of the process and rapid response to unexpected events.
• An example of the use of analytics in a restaurant shows how identifying driving and inhibiting forces helped improve profits and customer satisfaction.

Details below!

We make many changes in our lives - both personal and business. Their implementation often raises many questions, and thus doubts. The process taking place is not schematic - each modification involves different challenges and needs. So how to prepare for implementing changes so as to avoid failure? How to predict whether an idea is likely to succeed? One solution is to perform a force field analysis.

Useful for change management and more

The basis of force field analysis comes from the theory of Kurt Lewin, a German-American psychologist. It assumes that the behavior of each individual is determined by the interaction of two forces: driving and inhibiting, which are in perfect equilibrium. To carry out a change, you need to violate the existing status quo - in this case, the analysis will determine how to do it. The method is used not only in business, but also in coaching, psychology, or in everyday life.

Process flow

The analysis consists of the following steps:

• Prepare a diagram consisting of two columns and write the current situation in the middle.
• Determine the goal and write it down below the description of the current situation.
• Identify the driving forces and record them in the left column.
• Recognize the inhibitory forces and place them on the right side of the diagram.

Further steps depend on individual preferences: to each of the forces you can draw arrows, expressing its power or give it a rating on a scale of your choice, and then add up the score. The resulting value will allow you to determine where to start and how to guide the process of implementing the change. Above all, the model should be transparent to the team involved.

Assumptions

In order for the whole process to be successful, it is necessary to start by eliminating the objections that accompany those involved in implementing the change. According to Levin's model, the greater the pressure - the stronger the resistance. For example, if a person who has just passed his driver's license immediately takes to the highway, any negative incident will affect his further reluctance and fear of driving. One should start with neighborhood roads to get accustomed to the car and traffic. Attempting to combat potential setbacks should take place at the grassroots, and strengthening the driving forces should take place only after the anxiety has been overcome.

The change should be managed so as not to make it a temporary state of affairs - smoker should strive to give up cigarettes for more than a few days, because the change would not make sense. The so-called "freezing" of new attitudes, i.e. fixing them, should be supported by introducing new patterns or benefits. For example - launching an incentive system to encourage co-workers to get used to the change faster - initially, each day without smoking could be rewarded with a piece of cake.

Why force field analysis?

The model makes it possible to identify and analyze the factors that affect the final outcome of implementing the change. With this knowledge, entrepreneurs, executives, or anyone coordinating the change can carry out the process in their environment in a thoughtful and sustainable way, as well as have constant control over the process and react quickly to unexpected events. A kind of simulation of the aftermath and future after the change also makes it easier for co-workers to get used to and accept it more quickly.

Theory in life

The head of a certain restaurant needed a kind of , "refresh" of his business. He and his co-owner decided to change the restaurant's profile to a place for vegetarians and vegans. At first they had great success due to the promotions offered to celebrate the opening of the new bistro, however, after a few weeks profits began to decline.

Using a force field analysis model, you can identify the factors that contributed to the decline in customer interest. The entrepreneur's goal is to maximize profit, keep current consumers happy and attract new ones. Driving forces include the growing trend toward being vegetarian/vegan, or the refreshed décor of the restaurant to encourage visitors. Regular customers, however, valued the restaurant for its meat dishes. In addition, the head chef is inexperienced in preparing dishes consisting of vegetables and takes more time to prepare, resulting in longer wait times. This also affects the quality of the food customers receive. The factors identified above are inhibiting forces.

By analyzing the force field, the owner is able to assess what is worth doing, starting with eliminating limiting forces. Consequently, the main chef was trained to prepare meatless dishes, in addition, a young graduate of a catering technical school was hired, who is himself a vegetarian. However, it was decided to combine the two cuisines - the restaurant offers both vegetable dishes and beefsteaks or chops - so that regular and new customers remain satisfied. By using the model, profits have increased and negative factors have been combated.