Make Better Decisions with the “Force Field Analysis” Tool

Should you, or should you not? Go or no go? Yes or No? Option A or Option B?

Decisions can be perplexing, even excruciating at times.

To make it easier, consider using the “Force Field” Analysis—sometimes know as the Ben Franklin T.

The Force Field Analysis helps make the positives and negatives of making a change much easier to see, compare and understand.

Here’s how it works:

1. Draw a large letter “T” on a flipchart.

At the top of the T, write the problem or issue you’re considering.

At the far right of the T, write a brief description of the ideal situation you’d like to achieve.

Brainstorm the internal and external forces driving you  toward the ideal and list them on the left side of your T.

Next, brainstorm forces that are restraining progress toward the ideal state.

2. Prioritize the driving forces that can be strengthened or identify restraining forces that would enable the most movement toward the ideal state if they were removed.

Achieve consensus through discussion or by using other ranking methods.

Below is an example of the “Force Field Analysis” tool.

Adapted from The Memory Jogger 2—Tools for Continuous Improvement and Effective Planning by Goal QPC 2010