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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 of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points
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.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-2 h15-30 min1-3 hHalf day
Participantsdifferent
3-122-83-123-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsQuestion List, Reframed Challenge, Learning PromptsSystem Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsLeverage Map, Action Strategy
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
QuestionsReframingFacilitationSensemaking
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
Systems thinkingChangeStrategy
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