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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Systems Thinking Leverage Points | ![]() Systems Thinking Futures Wheel | ![]() Decision Making Force Field Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | The Futures Wheel helps explore the consequences of a decision, a trend, or a strategic move in a structured way. It makes visible which first, second, and third-order effects could arise from an event. | In change initiatives, supporting and restraining forces sit at the table at the same time. Force Field Analysis makes these tensions explicit and shows where change can be pushed forward by strengthening or relieving. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | Half day | 60-120 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-12 | 3-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Leverage Map, Action Strategy | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingChangeStrategy | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | ChangeDecisionStrategy |



