an online book by David Gurteen
The Cynefin Framework is a decision-making tool that categorizes situations into five domains: Clear, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic, and Confused. It helps leaders identify the best approach for different contexts, guiding appropriate responses and strategies.
The Cynefin framework ( kuh-NEV-in) is a conceptual framework used to aid decision-making. Created in 1999 by Dave Snowden when he worked for IBM Global Services, it has been described as a "sense-making device". Cynefin is a Welsh word for 'habitat'.
Cynefin offers five decision-making contexts or "domains"—clear (also known as simple or obvious), complicated, complex, chaotic, and confusion (or disorder)—that help managers to identify how they perceive situations and make sense of their own and other people's behaviour. The framework draws on research into systems theory, complexity theory, network theory and learning theories.
Credit: Wikipedia - Cynefin_FrameworkDave Snowden is a Welsh management consultant and researcher in the field of knowledge management. Known for the development of the Cynefin framework, he is the founder and chief scientific officer of The Cynefin Company, a Singapore-based management consulting firm specializing in complexity and sensemaking. I have known Dave for many years and follow his … Continue reading Dave Snowden Management Consultant
A clear, succinct 5 minutes introduction to Dave Snowden’s Cynefin Framework by Jennifer Garvey Berger. Making Sense of Complexity – an introduction to Cynefin | Jennifer Garvey Berger Posts where this video is embedded Complex Is Not the Same as Complicated We tend to use “complex” to describe things that are actually just complicated or challenging. Conversations … Continue reading Making Sense of Complexity – an Introduction to Cynefin Jennifer Garvey Berger (2017)
The Cynefin Framework | Dave Snowden Posts that link to this post We Humans Are Complex Human socio-technical systems are complexPeople: Dave SnowdenDave Snowden Management ConsultantPosts: Dave SnowdenCarpe Diem – Seize the Day Seize the day everyoneChanging People ** The challenge of trying to change peopleConversations Through the Cynefin Lens Unraveling the intricacies of everyday conversationsThe … Continue reading The Cynefin Framework Dave Snowden
Abstract Many executives are surprised when previously successful leadership approaches fail in new situations, but different contexts call for different kinds of responses. Before addressing a situation, leaders need to recognize which context governs it -and tailor their actions accordingly. Snowden and Boone have formed a new perspective on leadership and decision making that’s based … Continue reading A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making David J. Snowden and Mary E. Boone (2007)
This book Cynefin – Weaving Sense-Making into the Fabric of Our World chronicles the origin story and historical evolution of the Cynefin Framework, including personal vignettes where network members share how it has impacted their lives, and reflections by practitioners on how they have applied it across many diverse contexts. AustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited … Continue reading Cynefin – Weaving Sense-making Into the Fabric of Our World by Dave Snowden & friends (2020)
Gurteen Knowledge Blog November 27, 2020, 22:02Do you know the difference between complex and complicated? Most people don’t. It’s an important distinction to understand when living and working in a complex world. Sonja Blignaut outlines several differences in this blog post 7 Differences between complex and complicated. The Cynefin Framework also helps you take better decisions by making … Continue reading Do You Know the Difference Between Complex and Complicated? Most people don’t
Gurteen Knowledge Blog September 2, 2024, 09:50I’ve long followed Dave Snowden’s work, which began with a focus on knowledge management and has since shifted towards complexity and anthro-complexity (the study of the complex systems and processes involved in human societies, including social, economic, political, and cultural phenomena). If one person has influenced my thinking more than … Continue reading Upcoming Events with Dave Snowden See the world through the lens of complexity
What Is a System? ** Complex Systems and Complex Adaptive Systems ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter The Cynefin Framework categorizes problems into distinct domains. Understanding the difference between ‘complicated’ and ‘complex’ is critical. This clarity enhances decision-making and problem-solving strategies. Introduction The Cynefin Framework, developed by Dave Snowden, offers a decision-making model … Continue reading Complex Is Not the Same as Complicated We tend to use “complex” to describe things that are actually just complicated or challenging.
Complex Responsive Processes Complex Adaptive Systems Vs. Complex Responsive Processes ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter The Cynefin framework helps you make better decisions by helping you understand your situation/context and use an appropriate decision-making method. The Cynefin framework is a conceptual framework created in 1999 by Dave Snowden to aid decision-making. It … Continue reading The Cynefin Framework A conceptual framework to help make decisions
Conversations Are Complex Responsive Processes Dispositional States ** Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Navigating conversations can be challenging, especially when the dynamics shift from simple exchanges to complex discussions. The Cynefin framework, originally designed for decision-making, offers a useful perspective on these communication challenges. By identifying the domain we can better understand and … Continue reading Conversations Through the Cynefin Lens Unraveling the intricacies of everyday conversations
Emergence ** Navigating Complexity with Safe-to-fail Probes Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Traditional change management methods, with their rigid plans and fixed outcomes, often struggle in today’s complex, unpredictable environments. Dave Snowden’s Vector Theory of Change offers a more adaptable solution by focusing on setting a broad direction (vector) rather than a specific … Continue reading The Vector Theory of Change Navigating change in a complex world
The Vector Theory of Change Exploring Uncertainty – the Role of Catalytic and Safe-to-fail Probes Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Navigating complex systems requires innovative problem-solving approaches. Traditional linear methods often prove ineffective in unpredictable environments. Safe-to-fail probes offer a valuable tool for gaining insights, building resilience, and driving sustainable change through small-scale … Continue reading Navigating Complexity with Safe-to-fail Probes The power of safe-to-fail probes
Technical Challenges and Complex Adaptive Challenges Unintended Consequences Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter Complex systems defy simplistic problem-solving. Rather than definitive solutions, we can only respond to the intricate web of interconnected elements. In a complex environment, there are no solutions, only an endless series of adaptive responses. Complex systems are characterized by … Continue reading There Are No Solutions to Complex Challenges Only an endless series of adaptive responses
