Every change, whether it is a new software rollout, a restructure, or a personal goal, faces forces that push it forward and forces that hold it back. Force field analysis is a simple way to see both sides at once so you can decide whether to proceed and how to improve your odds of success.
Below are 10 free force field analysis templates in a variety of layouts. Use them to list, score, and compare the forces at play in your next decision.
What Is Force Field Analysis?
Force field analysis is a decision-making and change-management tool developed by psychologist Kurt Lewin. It treats any situation as a balance between driving forces, which support change, and restraining forces, which resist it. By listing and rating each force, you can see whether the change is likely to succeed and where to focus your efforts.
Managers, team leaders, project managers, and consultants use it to plan initiatives, but it works just as well for personal decisions such as changing careers or moving to a new city.
Why Use a Force Field Analysis Template?
- Clear structure. Two columns, driving forces and restraining forces, make the balance easy to see.
- Faster workshops. A ready-made layout lets your team start listing forces right away.
- Better decisions. Scoring forces helps you decide whether to go ahead, revise, or stop.
- Fewer mistakes. A template reminds beginners to consider both sides rather than only the positives.
Key Parts of a Force Field Analysis
- A clear statement of the current situation and the desired change
- A list of driving forces supporting the change
- A list of restraining forces opposing it
- A score, often from 1 to 5, for the strength of each force
- Total scores for each side
- An action plan to strengthen drivers and reduce barriers
Free Force Field Analysis Templates
Browse the templates below. The first four include download links to their original sources.
Force Field Analysis Template 1
Force Field Analysis Template 2
Force Field Analysis Template 3
Force Field Analysis Template 4
Force Field Analysis Template 5
Force Field Analysis Template 6
Force Field Analysis Template 7
Force Field Analysis Template 8
Force Field Analysis Template 9
Force Field Analysis Template 10
When to Use Force Field Analysis
- Before launching a new process, system, or policy
- When a change initiative seems to be stalling
- During strategic planning or project kickoff meetings
- When choosing between options and needing a structured comparison
- For personal decisions such as a job move or a major purchase
How to Complete a Force Field Analysis
- Define the change or goal in one clear sentence.
- List all driving forces that support the change.
- List all restraining forces that work against it.
- Score each force from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong).
- Add up the scores on each side and compare them.
- Choose actions that strengthen drivers or, better, reduce the strongest restraining forces.
- Review the analysis regularly as conditions change.
Tips for Better Analysis
- Involve people from different teams so you catch hidden barriers.
- Be specific: “limited training budget” is more useful than “lack of resources.”
- Focus first on reducing restraining forces, since adding pressure often increases resistance.
- Use data where you can to back up your scores.
- Keep the finished analysis to share with stakeholders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is force field analysis?
It is a framework for evaluating the forces that help or hinder a proposed change, developed by Kurt Lewin. It helps you decide whether to proceed and how to improve your chances.
What are driving and restraining forces?
Driving forces push toward change, such as cost savings or customer demand. Restraining forces resist it, such as fear, cost, or lack of skills.
Who uses force field analysis?
Managers, team leaders, consultants, project managers, and educators use it, as do individuals facing personal decisions.
How do I score the forces?
Rate each force on a scale, commonly 1 to 5, based on its strength or impact. Add up each side to see which is stronger.
Is force field analysis the same as SWOT?
No. SWOT looks at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of an organization. Force field analysis focuses on the forces around one specific change.
Can I use these templates in Word or PowerPoint?
Yes. Use the layouts as a guide and recreate them in Word, PowerPoint, or Excel, or download the linked files where provided.
Are these templates free?
Yes, all templates on this page are free to view and use.
Final Thoughts
Force field analysis helps you make change decisions with your eyes open. Choose a template from the ten above, list the forces honestly, and use the results to build a plan that strengthens what helps and reduces what holds you back.
