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Criterion
Iceberg Model method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Iceberg Model
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Purposedifferent
The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring.Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely.For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
30-60 min1-2 h45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-103-122-5
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention IdeasPolarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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Often compared together

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

Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Behavior Over Time Graph.
Systems Thinking
Behavior Over Time Graph