Problem solving with Force Field Analysis

So much of getting what we want out of life is problem solving, especially if what we want happens to be outside the prefabricated, cookie cutter path.

When faced with a decision, it's often common practice to make up a list of pros and cons. That's the "should I do it" approach. Valuable, but possibly limiting. It doesn't take into account the dynamic nature of most things in life (i.e., things change, and you can change them).

Doing the Force Field Analysis outlined in this article from MindTools, on the other hand, is more of a "How could I do it?" approach.

The basic idea is simple. If you want to make a change, there are forces at work that are in favor of that change, and forces that will work against you. Start by getting a picture of what those are.

• List all forces for change in one column, and all forces against change in another column.
• Assign a score to each force, from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong).
• Draw a diagram showing the forces for and against change. Show the size of each force as a number next to it.

The article then points out that there are two ways to get what you want - to push harder, or to work to reduce or remove the resistance from the obstacles.

The "forces against change" list in this approach isn't the endpoint where you say, "Here are all the things working against me." It becomes a starting point where you then say, "What could I do to reduce the resistance of this force against change?" 

By the same token, you could ask, "How do I increase the impact of the forces for change?"

I love the visual element of this. In the graphic given in the article all of the arrows are the same size and the relative strength of the forces are simply denoted with numbers, but you might also want to play with that visually (e.g., different sized arrows to indicate the strength of the force, different colors for "before and after" strengths of the individual forces, etc.).

What appeals to me the most about this is that it acknowledges that life isn't static. It is a fluid, dynamic, continually shifting flow. And with the right approach, we can harness that fact and put it to work in pursuit of our dreams.

--

Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst (sm)

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