Force Field Analysis is a practical tool that helps transform ideas into measurable progress. By mapping out the factors that support your strategy alongside those holding it back, it becomes easier to strengthen your advantages and reduce barriers—setting the stage for meaningful and lasting change.

Why Embrace Force Field Analysis?

After brainstorming solutions or running a Pareto analysis, Force Field Analysis offers a structured way to weigh which factors will truly move your goals forward. It brings clarity and direction to strategic planning.​​

The Simple Process

• Start by defining your objective as clearly as possible (for example: “Increase sales by 20% in two years” rather than “Grow sales”).
• List your positive forces—these are your existing strengths, opportunities, and helpful processes.
• List your negative forces—these include obstacles, resource gaps, or any challenges slowing progress.
• Ask yourself: What actions could double the impact of the positives? What would halve the impact of the negatives?
• Remember, the best ideas aren’t just the “opposite” of your challenges; look for unique, high-impact solutions.​

Turning Insights Into Action

• It’s common for teams to generate 20–30 potential actions during this process.
• Focus on the three or four initiatives with the greatest potential impact.
• Keep your Force Field Analysis visible for team members to review and update.
• Use it as a dynamic reference for coaching, performance reviews, and ongoing planning to sustain momentum.​

Recent Success Story: Improving Leadership

In a recent workshop, Force Field Analysis was used to target leadership capability. Key positives included strong recruitment, performance management, coaching, supportive reward systems, and effective communication. Action steps focused on diagnostics in hiring, 360-degree feedback, personalised coaching, and regular recognition. Negative factors—like low motivation, integrity issues, time management gaps, discipline lapses, and lack of vision—were addressed with targeted training, improved coaching, clearer processes, and accountability initiatives. The approach: select three high-impact actions first; as progress is made, move on to the next set, and continue iterating for ongoing results.​

Pro Tips

• You’ll build confidence after using this method about 10 times, and you’ll gain real expertise with regular, ongoing practice.
• It’s excellent for group problem-solving and surfacing a diversity of ideas.
• Make Force Field Analysis a staple in your team workshops and strategy sessions to foster continuous, targeted improvement.

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Please also note that many of the comments in this publication are general in nature and anyone intending to apply the information to practical circumstances should seek professional advice to independently verify their interpretation and the information’s applicability to their particular circumstances. Should you have any further questions, please get in touch with us for assistance with your SMSF, business, bookkeeping and tax requirements. All rights reserved. Based on content from Mindshop, a trusted resource for business advisors worldwide. Liability Limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.