How to Select Methods

5M Methods Matrix

The 5M Methods Matrix supports practitoners in matching appropriate methods to challenges. It provides a practical way to select methods based on where you are in your systems work, what you want to achieve, and who is involved.

The 5M Methods Matrix is organised in the following categories: Motivate, Map, Meet, Make, and Manage.

You can use the following steps to select methods that fit your situation:

Identify relevant “M”: Consider which of the five areas are most relevant to your current challenge.
Review the purpose: Look at the specific purpose of each method to see which matches your goals.
Consider the focus area: Check which aspects (Understand, Collaborate, Strategize, Innovate, Adapt) each method supports. (Book only)
Select appropriate method: Choose one or more methods that fit your situation and priorities

Methods that help practitioners assess the need for systemic intervention and define strategic directions for meaningful change.

Method	Purpose
Deciding To Act	Assess the necessity and urgency of intervention
Readiness Assessment	Evaluate system readiness for intervention
Guiding Star and Near Star	Define vision and milestones for intervention
Cynefin Framework	Categorise and understand system complexity
Certainty-Agreement Matrix	Align decisions with levels of certainty and agreement
Power Mapping	Analyse power dynamics and influence in systems

Methods emphasising stakeholder involvement, collaboration, and capturing different perspectives to build shared understanding and alignment.

Method	Purpose
Silent Signal	Explore how messages change without words
Invisible Connections	Experience interdependence through movement
Collective Pulse	Demonstrate self-organization without leadership
Speed Framing	Expose bias by quickly reframing problems
Certainty-Agreement Matrix	Align decisions with levels of certainty and agreement
Invisible Negotiation	Reveal how hidden goals influence group behaviour and decisions
Ladder of Inference	Reveal how unconscious thinking shapes beliefs and actions
Fishbowl Discussion	Facilitate inclusive group dialogue
Reverse Fishbowl	Practice adapting discussions under disruption
Stakeholder Mapping	Identify and prioritise key stakeholders
Cluster Map	Explore and connect ideas around a topic
CATWOE Analysis	Clarify system purpose from multiple angles
Boundary Critique (BC)	Define and challenge system boundaries
Appreciative Inquiry	Identify and build on system strengths
World Café	Enable rotating conversations on shared topics

Methods that help practitioners explore, visualise, and map systems to gain deeper insights into their structures and dynamics.

Method	Purpose
Air Circles	Show how perspective shifts change interpretation
Adaptive Pen Control	Visualise interdependence, adaptation and dynamics
Group Juggle	Explore how systems grow more complex
Triangles	Show interdependence within systems
Live Systems Mapping	Physically map evolving system relationships
Bathtub Game	Visualise system accumulation and delays
DSRP Framework	Thinking patterns to understand complexity and make better decisions.
Behaviour Over Time Graphs	Plot and analyse variable trends over time
Paper Computer	Identify influence patterns and leverage in complex systems
Refrigeration Game	Experience how delays and local decisions cause instability
Fishbanks Ltd.	Experience how individual actions and delays lead to resource collapse
Sankey Diagrams	Show flow of resources across systems
System in Focus	Define the system, its boundaries, and external interactions
Rich Pictures	Capture complexity using visual storytelling
Double Q-Diagram	Map hard and soft causes of problems to support balanced thinking
Impact Mapping	Align actions with strategic goals
Connected Circles	Reveal relationships between system variables
Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD)	Identify feedback loops in systems
Systems Archetypes	Recognise patterns in system behaviour
Leverage Points Mapping	Identify high-impact areas for systemic change
Scenario Planning	Plan for future uncertainties
World Game	Explore global challenges and interdependencies through cooperative, systems-based simulation
Soft Systems Methodology (SSM)	Explore messy, contested situations by comparing perspectives and finding meaningful change
Viable System Model (VSM)	Diagnose system structure and organizational viability

Methods that guide practitioners in moving from planning to execution, fostering innovation, and applying strategies to implement solutions effectively.

Method	Purpose
Human Knot	Build teamwork and collaboration
Paper Airplane Factory	Simulate and improve processes
Forced Prioritization	Rank and cut options under pressure
Resource Tree	Map needed resources to reach a goal, clarify dependencies, and spot constraints
Kano Model	Prioritise features based on user satisfaction
Theory of Constraints (TOC)	Identify and manage system bottlenecks
Prototyping Sprints	Rapidly test and improve early-stage ideas
Process Hacking	Redesign broken processes for better performance
Backcasting	Plan strategically from future goals
Synectics	Solve problems using analogies
Morphological Analysis	Generate creative solutions
Futures Wheel	Map and evaluate long-term impacts

Methods that help practitioners assess the need for systemic intervention and define strategic directions for meaningful change.

Method	Purpose
Boom and Bust	Monitor and understand growth cycles
Most Significant Change (MSC)	Capture significant outcomes and changes
Outcomes Mapping	Track behavioural change and impact
Lag vs. Lead Indicator Tracking	Spot early signs vs. results
Balanced Scorecard	Measure and align strategic objectives
Iceberg Model	Reveal underlying system structures
Scenario Stress Testing	Test system response to shocks
Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping (FCM)	Visualise and analyse causal relationships
Critical Systems Heuristics (CSH)	Evaluate system boundaries ethically

Trainings including a book

Learn more about the 5M’s?

The 5M Structure helps you find the right method. The book offers 65+ step-by-step approaches. Practical, structured, and ready to use.

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