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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Argument Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Red Teaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 h | 1-3 h | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-12 | 1-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | Challenge Findings, Risk Register, Mitigation Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | SensemakingDecisionRationale | RiskDecisionSensemaking |



