methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Stakeholder Mapping
Facilitation
Stakeholder Mapping
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment 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 an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first.When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.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 h60–90 min1-2 hHalf day
Participantsdifferent
3-122-84-123-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsStakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk NotesAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision QuestionsLeverage Map, Action Strategy
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
Systems thinkingChangeStrategy
Add more methods