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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Red Teaming method illustration showing its working structure
Decision Making
Red Teaming
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
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.For strategic decisions with high reach, agreement and gut feeling are often not enough. Red teaming brings deliberate opposition into the situation and tests where a plan breaks under real counterarguments.Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action.Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighHighLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h1-4 h0.5-3 Tage45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-123-85-152-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsChallenge Findings, Risk Register, Mitigation PlanRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning Plan
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
RiskDecisionSensemaking
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
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