Knowing your forces is the only way to really manage change.
Many geeks, and non-geeks alike, are excited about the upcoming release of the New Star Wars reboot Episode VII – The Force Awakens. The title is an excellent segway into a discussion of the concept of Kurt Lewin’s force-field analysis as a model to assist change. As an HR Professional, you must deeply understand what will move change forward or what will hold it back.
Forces, whether driving or resisting, are made up of people, habits, customs, and attitudes. No wonder organizational change is so difficult to implement; there are so many variables pulling individuals and organizations in various directions.
The big question to ask, as well as answer, is – Do the driving forces outweigh the restraining forces?
The following 6 minute video, from Alanis Business Academy, gives you an overview of how to conduct a force-field analysis.
Source: Alanis Business Academy, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRAKmzsYLG8. The above content constitutes a link to the source website. Click on the play icon to stream the video
Many organization who want change to occur only focus on the driving forces and completely forget about the resisting forces until it is too late. Don’t fall into this trap! Be prepared and make sure you analyse the driving and resisting forces, as described by Kurt Lewin.
Discussion Questions:
- How can HR professionals convince senior management that a force-field analysis would be beneficial before undergoing change?
- Think about a personal change you want to accomplish. Identify all the driving and restraining forces that may be acting on you when you attempt to make this change.