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= Polarity Mapping =
Polarity Mapping, also known as Polarity Thinking, is a visual framework for tackling problems in industry, team collaboration, and other challenges. It functions for paradoxical or costly challenges-- problems that can be exacerbated by focusing on one component more than the other. Polarity maps seek to weigh the costs and benefits of values within a certain problem and can be adapted toward any field. Created by Barry Johnson, this concept was created to help problems be solved in a realistic and multidimensional manormanner.
Polarity maps are commonly employed by [[Starting Bloc|StartingBloc]], an organization that seeks to tackle community problems through social ventures and collaborations. They teach this method through workshops and hope that fellows utilize it to tackle personal, professional, and organizational paradoxes that may arise.
[[File:Polarity Map.jpeg|thumb|Polarity Map.jpeg]]
== How Do Polarity Maps Work?<br/> ==
=== Guidelines for Creation ===
In order to create a proper polarity map, there are specific guidelines that are necessary. According to [https://learningforward.org/docs/default-source/leading-teacher/lt-sum13-tool-polarity-map.pdf <cite>''<i>Learning Forward''</i></cite>], an educative organization, the following steps are vital to a beneficial map.
'''1) Define the Challenge'''
The most important aspect of this step is to ''identify'2) Identify ' an issue that mappers have an ability to change ''and'' that has yet to be solved. Typically these are problems that can be solved within a Key Polarityshort period of time.
'''32) Agree on Pole NamesIdentify a Key Polarity'''
*In order to construct a map, polarities must be definied. Polarities can be added to a map if mappers can articulate the:**Presence of an issue over time**Presence of two interdependent alternatives, meaning, that you can only focus on an aspect for a fixed time before it influences the other**Necessity of each pole**How focusing on specific values will impact the other alternative*This step is achieved through team collaboration and field testing '''3) Agree on Pole Names''' *While seeming obvious, this is important. Pole names should not be charged, as to bias or diminish the ideas of others. '''4) Write the Pole Names''' '''5) Brainstorm Content''' *Brainstorming consists of asking about the positives and negatives of each poles.*This can first be done individually by team members, and then aggregated and revised for the final map.
'''6) Agree on a Higher Purpose and Deeper Fear'''
*This step concludes the process, adding in reasons that the problem is being addressed.
*The ''higher purpose'' will focus on the reason for weighing the interdependent poles.
*The ''deeper fear'' is the main negative that will result from the imbalance of the polarity, or how poor management of the polarity will later manifest.
== Implementation and Applications of a Polarity Map ==
In order to clearly see how a polarity map works, below is an image which shows the same thumbnail above, filled out. This was developed by Laurie Levknecht, a writer and nurse on ''[https://www.elsevier.com/connect/using-polarity-thinking-to-achieve-sustainable-positive-outcomes Elsevier].''
This map looks'' ''balancing work and home life. The top part, above the ''upside''' '''''features a "sustained quality of life"; alternatively, the ''downside''''' '''is an empty life, which comes with ignoring the balance of components of work and home life.
''[[File:PolarityFilled.jpg]]''
== Further Resources on Polarity Maps ==
The diagrams and the hyperlinks above are sources to learn more about polarity mapping. However, in addition to these, are videos that are also useful and explain polarity mapping more in depth.
This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WILIu8-yicw youtube video] provides information through an exercise.
This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jqd4-eemoAw TED] talk provides information through the power of polarities.
This [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws2p8fZnMKM TED] talk, led by Melinda Butsch Kovacic talks more about polarity thinking more in detail.
Polarity Map® is a registered trademark of Barry Johnson & Polarity Partnerships, LLC. Commercial use encouraged with permission.