You can use a force-field analysis to identify where conditions are supportive of a particular change or where there is resistance. If the driving forces outweigh the restraining forces, then the change can progress more easily. If the alternative is true, the change may have to be postponed or abandoned as there may be too many restraints or little enthusiasm for the change. If they are more or less in balance, then plans can be made to progress the change.
• List the stakeholders affected by the change or use a PESTLE analysis to identify the environmental factors that will affect the change.
• Split the list into drivers and restraints.
• Consider each factor in turn and identify its extent, relevance and scope. Draw an arrow on the diagram which represents its force (use breadth and length to represent the force) or give it a score or a rating.
Identify actions that you will undertake to ensure that the restraining forces are minimised and that the driving forces are maximised. Be careful, however, as increasing the driving forces can also increase the resisting forces. It may be preferable to decrease the resisting forces first to reduce tension and challenge.