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Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
Paper illustration of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points
Purposedifferent
For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description.Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins.Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumHigh
Timedifferent
15-30 min1-3 hHalf day
Participantsdifferent
2-63-123-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresSystem Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsLeverage Map, Action Strategy
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
Systems thinkingChangeStrategy
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration of Barrier Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Barrier Analysis