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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration of many question cards around one challenge
Facilitation
Question Burst
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree
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 problem gets covered up too quickly with answers, Question Burst puts the better question at the center. The format opens the thinking space before the group commits to an interpretation.Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins.A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-2 h15-30 min1-3 h2-4 h
Participantsdifferent
3-122-83-123-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsQuestion List, Reframed Challenge, Learning PromptsSystem Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsFuture Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
QuestionsReframingFacilitationSensemaking
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange
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