Planning for Change: The Force Field Tool

By Jim Dezieck

A force field analysis is a tool for planning when and where to act to achieve a change. The analysis includes creating a map of the forces helping and hindering the change, and then prioritizing those forces so the change can be most effectively achieved.

A special aspect of force field analysis is its emphasis on identifying and lowering barriers between one's current status and the desired change. This lowers the total energy needed to achieve change and thereby makes change easier.

What To Do

The Force Field tool consists of three parts: the Instructions, the Worksheet, and the Force Field Map. Be sure to download and print all three parts below before you begin. Then begin with the "instructions" document.

Learn and Grow, Professionally and Personally

Choose from a mix of role-based programs, skill-based workshops, and online resources to discover, learn, and grow in your career at MIT.