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Criterion
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration of many question cards around one challenge
Facilitation
Question Burst
Paper illustration of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
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.When a problem gets covered up too quickly with answers, Question Burst puts the better question at the center. The format opens the thinking space before the group commits to an interpretation.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowHighMedium
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage15-30 minHalf day1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
5-152-83-124-12
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaQuestion List, Reframed Challenge, Learning PromptsLeverage Map, Action StrategyAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
QuestionsReframingFacilitationSensemaking
Systems thinkingChangeStrategy
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
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