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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration for Accountability Ladder
Operations
Accountability Ladder
Rich Picture workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Rich Picture
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.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.With defensive reactions to problems, the method shifts the view from justification to ownership. It makes visible which reaction stage a person or team is currently stuck on.A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h0.5-3 Tage20-45 min30-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-125-151-82-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaOwnership Reflection, Action Commitment, Coaching NotesRich Picture, Problem Framing Notes
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
ResponsibilityLeadershipTeam
Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization
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