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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() Decision Making Constraint Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | When an initiative stalls, the limit often lies not in the idea but in hard or soft boundary conditions. Constraint Analysis separates these limits and shows which of them can actually be shaped. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 60-180 min | 30-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 4-20 | 2-8 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Constraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision Boundaries | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |



