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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe
Iceberg Model method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Iceberg Model
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.For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h2-8 h30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
3-122-82-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsProblem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk PlanIceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations
Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

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 for Behavior Over Time Graph.
Systems Thinking
Behavior Over Time Graph