How do you adjust your power analysis in changing conditions?

1 Why update your power analysis?

Power analysis is not a one-time exercise, but rather an ongoing process of learning and reflection. Updating your power analysis can help you monitor the impact of your actions and campaigns on the power balance, as well as identify new sources of power or leverage that you can use or challenge. It can also help you recognize new actors or groups that have a stake or influence in the issue, anticipate potential changes or scenarios that may affect your goals or strategies, and adjust your tactics and messages to fit the current context and audience.

2 How to update your power analysis?

There is no single or definitive way to update your power analysis, but there are some steps that you can follow. Start by reviewing the original power analysis and assessing its validity and relevance. Consider what has changed since you did it and what has stayed the same. Then, gather new information and data from media, research, surveys, interviews, or observations to look for evidence of shifts in power, interests, relationships, or opinions among the actors or groups involved in the issue. Analyze the new information using tools such as power maps, stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, or scenario planning. Compare and contrast the new findings with your original power analysis to identify key changes and trends that affect it. Highlight any new opportunities or challenges that you face and prioritize the most important or urgent actions that you need to take. Finally, communicate and validate your updated power analysis with your team, partners, allies, or supporters. Make sure that everyone is on the same page and agrees on the updated power analysis and actions.

3 What to watch out for when updating your power analysis?

Updating your power analysis is a valuable and rewarding process, yet it can also present some challenges or risks. To avoid confirmation bias or selective information, seek diverse and credible sources of data. Do not assume your power analysis is always accurate or complete; instead, be humble and curious, testing and verifying your hypotheses and conclusions. Additionally, do not let complexity or uncertainty stop you from taking action; be flexible and adaptable, experimenting and learning from successes and failures. Finally, do not update your power analysis without consultation; engage and collaborate with your team, partners, allies, or supporters in order to build trust and solidarity. In sum, following these tips and techniques can help you keep your power analysis fresh and dynamic so that you can adjust your actions accordingly.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?