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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 for Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis
Paper illustration for Root Cause Tree Analysis
Operations
Root Cause Tree Analysis
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 problem keeps recurring and the cause stays unclear, the method exposes the underlying mechanism. It separates symptom, guess, and robust explanation from one another.For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 hHalf day1-4 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-123-123-82-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsLeverage Map, Action StrategyProblem Statement, Cause Hypotheses, Confirmed Causes, Action PlanCause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Systems thinkingChangeStrategy
Root causeProblem solvingQualityIncident
Root causeTreeIncidentQuality
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