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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 manor.
Polarity maps are commonly employed by [[Starting_BlocStarting 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|This polarity map is geared towards problems in healthcare; however, it can be tailored to meet the needs that other contexts experience]]
== How Do Polarity Maps Work?<br/> ==
Polarity maps are dynamic visuals, as seen by the attached photograph. Functioning under the assumption that the ''poles'', the quadrants that make up the map, are interconnected, the maps include weights of upsides and downsides that emerge when looking at a problem. Each side is incomplete without the other side, portraying a realistic feel to problems that surface in real-world scenarios.
Further, polarity maps are meant to be constructed and revised ''collaboratively''. Groups work together to bring various perspectives to a similar problem, with hopes of canvassing a problem from all sides, ultimately keeping conversations useful and respectful-- maps are conducive to open conversation where no side is ignored.
== Structure of the Polarity Map ==
Polarity maps consist of four quadrants, known as ''poles''. These poles each have an upside and downside. The upsides, or "positives", are the upper two quadrants. The downsides, or "negatives", are the lower two quadrants.
'''Upsides''' are the positive results when focusing on a pole. '''Downsides''' are the negative results that emerge if you focus too much on one side. Alternatively, these can be seen as costs when weighing the potential actions taken to solve a problem.
The photograph allows for the visual to be seen; when each quadrant is assigned an "action step", certain values can be filled articulating the upsides and downsides. For the upper two quadrants, values placed in the boxes demonstrate the positive results that come from focusing on the specific ''poles''. Alternatively, the lower two quadrants articulate the negatives that emerge when the "action steps" are overemphasized, consequently ignoring the other side. It functions as a system to achieve balance when solving a problem.
=== 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>''Learning Forward''</cite>], an educative organization, the following steps are vital to a beneficial map.
'''1) Define the Challenge'''
'''2) Identify a Key Polarity
'''3) Agree on Pole Names
'''4) Write the Pole Names
'''5) Brainstorm Content'''
'''6) Agree on a Higher Purpose and Deeper Fear'''
== Implementation and Applications of a Polarity Map ==
== Further Resources on Polarity Maps ==