Some people are fans of Elon Musk and his technology companies like SpaceX and Tesla. Who can help being a fan of things that explode, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not.
I find myself drawn to frameworks that explain and help us navigate knowledge and complexity. I was always a big fan of Nonaka-Takeuchi SECI model of knowledge dimensions which attempts to explain the act knowledge creation. But lately I find it too simplistic as it appears to only flow in one direction. Often these sorts of models far to prescriptive.
A couple of frameworks stand out for me are : the Cynefin and Estuarine mapping both from David Snowden and his colleagues. Something about their naming appeals to me, and these tools are very real and incredibly useful. Let’s dive into the different domains they cover, how organizations can use them, and how they complement each other.
Let’s dive into the different domains they cover, how organizations can use them, and how they complement each other.
The Cynefin Framework: A Map for Decision-Making
The Cynefin framework, developed by Dave Snowden, categorizes situations into five domains and it is important to use the sense making tools in each to then decide how to act:
1. Clear (formerly Simple): Here, the relationship between cause and effect is obvious to everyone. Things are known and familiar. You sense, categorize, and respond. It’s like knowing that if you drop your cat, it will land on its feet.
Example: I have created and managed service desk teams where we have well defined and functional procedures based on the standard ITIL processes: identify the issue, apply the standard solution, and move on.
2. Complicated: This domain is where things get a bit trickier. Things are known but unfamiliar. There might be multiple right answers, but you need expertise to figure them out. We have three cats sensing if they want feeding or simple want to go out is not so simple. You sense, analyze, and respond.
Example: I have worked in an organization that builds warehouses. depending on its locational, size and marketplace we may add automation. There are several potential layouts, and it requires expert analysis to identify the most appropriate one.
3. Complex: In this domain, cause and effect are only clear in hindsight. It’s like herding cats; you probe, sense, and respond. Experimentation is key here, as patterns emerge over time.
Example: I worked for a derivatives software company in 1990s when the market started becoming more sophisticated. Developing a new product in a rapidly changing market was tough. You need to experiment with different approaches, gather feedback, and adapt as you go.
4. Chaotic: This is the “all hands on deck” domain. Immediate action is required to establish order. Think of it as trying to organize a surprise party for a cat—chaos reigns, and you act, sense, and respond.
Example: That same software company had to deal with a major PR crisis, caused in part by me as we experimented with publishing articles on the newly created world wide web. Unfortunatly we published one about a large US bank without their prior knowledge. Immediate, decisive action was needed to delete the article and manage the situation.
5. Confusion: When you’re not sure which domain you’re in, you’re in confusion. The goal is to break down the situation and move it into one of the other domains.
Example: I worked in a team that switched to an agile way of working which caused a good deal of confusion as we tried to figure out our roles and responsibilities. We needed to clarify the situation before we could proceed effectively.
Estuarine Mapping: Navigating the Tides of Change
Estuarine mapping, another brainchild of Dave Snowden, is a newer framework designed to handle the ebb and flow of complex systems. The name illustrates that it’s like having a tidal chart for change. Here’s how it works:
1. Energy/Time Grid: Estuarine mapping uses an energy/time grid to map out actions and their impacts. It’s like plotting your course on a nautical map, considering both the currents and the tides. Somewhat like having about that needs to cross a stronge tide across an estuary.
Example: I worked on a knowledge improvement program in a company that contained a good deal of experts. There were a lot of things we could do, in a variety of tools. But not everyone had the same amount oftime or energy to do everything. So I mapped out a series of small, incremental changes to improve their knowledge capturing. I considered each technique, template and tool and the energy required and the time each change would take, ensuring we could manage the process effectively.
2. Constraints and Micro-Nudges: This framework emphasizes working with constraints and initiating small, manageable projects. It’s like planting seeds in a garden—you nurture them and see what grows.
Example: I often work on projects that will affect multiple sites, where we really don’t know how to get to where we want to be. Thus, we start with a small pilot project, gather feedback, and make adjustments before moving on to the next site.
3. Granularity and Novelty: By breaking down problems to their smallest coherent parts, you can create new connections and innovations. It’s like building a sandcastle grain by grain.
Example: As we work in the pilot project and later stages, we break down them into small, manageable tasks, building an ever-increasing checklist allowing for greater innovation and flexibility as we see differences per site.
Complementary Strengths
While Cynefin helps you categorize and respond to different types of problems, Estuarine mapping focuses on the dynamics of change within those problems. Here’s how they complement each other:
- Cynefin provides a clear sense of where you are and what type of problem you’re dealing with. It’s like having a reliable GPS.
- Estuarine Mapping helps you navigate through those problems by understanding the constraints and leveraging small changes. It’s like having a seasoned sailor’s knowledge of the tides.
Final Thought
Together, these frameworks offer a robust toolkit for organizations to make sense of complexity and drive effective change. So, whether you’re dealing with a chaotic project launch or navigating the complexities of a new market, remember with Cynefin and Estuarine mapping, you’re not just adrift—you’ve got a map and a tide chart to guide you.
Complexity Throwing You For a Loop?
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We’re here to support you with expert Service Management, Project Management, Programme Management, and Portfolio Management. Plus, we offer top-notch training in ITIL, Prince2, and Agile methods to empower your team. With our global experience and tailored solutions, we’ll help your projects and teams run smoother. So, why wait? Reach out today, and let’s start transforming your organization together!
