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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Facilitation Lean Coffee |  Facilitation World Café |  Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a group without a fixed agenda needs to get into useful conversations quickly, Lean Coffee structures the start around interests rather than a presentation. The group itself negotiates which topics get time first and which wait. | When a group needs to connect many viewpoints in a short time, World Café creates a calm alternation between closeness and rotation. It sets thinking in motion without forcing the conversation into full-plenary rigidity. | When a controversial topic needs depth and discipline at the same time, Fishbowl Discussion makes the structure of the conversation transparent. The format keeps the core small enough for real dialogue and open enough for controlled turnover. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 30-90 min | 60-180 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-20 | 12-100+ | 8-80 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking | FacilitationDialogueLarge group |