An HVAC force field analysis may tell you that your company needs change. With change comes risk — start minimizing the potential for problems by planning ahead.

A force field analysis takes that desired change and puts it up against the forces that will drive the change … and those that will hinder it. (Find a visual diagram here.) Be sure to determine how strong or weak these forces are.

Many contractors try to accomplish change by making the force field analysis top-heavy with positive forces like increasing benefits, salaries, training, etc., but then fail at improving the actual work conditions.

A few forces against change can be reversed by these examples:

• If you want to implement an HVAC training program, eliminate fear of technology.

• If your staff isn’t on board with a particular change, talk about the importance of moving the business forward to enhance work environment, customer service, and sales performance for better salaries.

Mike Moore is the HVAC Training Director at HVAC Learning Solutions, an HVAC industry expert in sales, technical, and business training. Visit Mike’s blog for more insights. Mike can be reached on Twitter @hvaclearning or on Google+ at gplus.to/hvactraining.