Overview

All of us have felt tension between different ideas present within a group. It can feel as if we are on two sides of a canyon or just don’t understand each other’s perspective. The definition of tension is the act of stretching or degree of being stretched. When there are differing approaches, it is helpful to keep the “stretching” pliable to keep our thinking proactive and not reactive. Polarity Mapping allows us to name and increase understanding of the tension that is present. It helps us see the positives and negatives of each approach. It is not a tool to persuade or to change the inherent tensions. Instead, polarity mapping balances the approaches. It allows a group to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of any one perspective so we can move forward together with greater understanding.