Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
When we now have to make a call, certainly one of the methods we sometimes use is a T-chart, which is essentially making a big T on a bit of paper and listing the professionals on one side and the cons on one other. The thought being if the professionals / advantages / benefits outweigh the cons / downsides / disadvantages then we must always do it. Otherwise, we shouldn’t.
Today, I need to share an alternative choice to the T-chart. One that may offer a greater assessment of the situation and lead to raised decision making. It’s called a force field evaluation. And no, that’s not a Star Wars reference. The force field evaluation was developed by social psychologist Kurt Lewin back within the Nineteen Fifties. Lewin can also be the writer of the 3-step change model (Unfreeze-Change-Refreeze) which we’ve discussed before.
Back to the force field evaluation. After we’re attempting to make a call or set a goal, there are “forces” that drive us toward it and “forces” that restrain us. Hence, after we create the T-chart of pros and cons, that’s what we’re doing. We’re listing the driving forces (pros) and restraining forces (cons).
But here’s where the force field and T-chart differ. In a T-chart, we could be tempted to view all pros and cons as equal. So, if we now have 10 pros and 1 con, we would say “let’s do it” because there are more advantages than downsides. The truth could possibly be that the sum total of the ten advantages is lower than the 1 negative. In a force field evaluation, we acknowledge that the driving forces and restraining forces should not equal. So, along with listing the benefits and drawbacks, we assign them a strength (aka “force”). Then, we are able to evaluate the outcomes.
- If the driving forces outweigh the restraining forces, then it is sensible to proceed with the choice or goal.
- If the restraining forces outweigh the driving forces, then we could determine to not proceed. But there’s also another choice. Is it possible that we are able to reduce the “force” of the restraining forces? Meaning, can we minimize the negative and alter the situation, so the driving forces are back on top?
- We also should consider that It’s possible the forces could possibly be relatively equal. In the event that they are, is there a option to improve or maximize the impact of the driving forces in order that they outweigh the restraining ones?
The advantage of a force field evaluation is in evaluating the “force” of the items. There could be decisions which have plenty of little disadvantages – but that’s the purpose – they’re small. For those who only take a look at the variety of them, it could keep the organization from pursuing an important opportunity. Granted, sometimes numerous little disadvantages are a red flag. That’s why the force field evaluation is such an important tool. Because we are able to not only evaluate the amount of forces, however the strength of them.
One among the opposite things a force field evaluation can do, is help us with planning. Let’s say the organization does a force field evaluation to choose in the event that they need to merge with one other company. In taking a look at the advantages and negatives, now we are able to prioritize those forces that we want to deal with. We would want to deal with large forces early within the transition and smaller ones later. Or we would like to deal with large forces in person and smaller ones might be done via a video call or via email. Establishing the strength of the force allows us to give attention to the correct things.
While up to now, I’ve talked a few force field evaluation within the context of organizational decision making, a force field evaluation also works for individual decisions. For instance, an worker is considering a job change – perhaps they’ve been offered each an internal promotion and an external opportunity. A force field evaluation might help evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of every opportunity.
Decision making is a very important skill. After we make bad decisions, they may weigh on us for a very long time. Having good decision-making tools may help us ask the correct questions so we make one of the best decisions possible.
Image captured by Sharlyn Lauby while exploring the streets of Las Vegas, NV
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