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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points
Paper illustration of a branching impact map with a Why goal at the root, actor circles, How behavior changes and What options.
Product Strategy
Impact Mapping
Paper illustration for Theory of Change
Systems Thinking
Theory of Change
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.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.When a goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures.Theory of Change translates a desired impact into a traceable chain of change. It makes assumptions, intermediate goals, and measurement points visible before a program is rolled out at scale.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-2 hHalf day45-90 min2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
3-123-123-84-12
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsLeverage Map, Action StrategyImpact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery OptionsTheory of Change Map, Assumptions, Outcome Measures
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Systems thinkingChangeStrategy
OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning
ImpactOutcomesSystems thinkingStrategy
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