A632.8.3.RB - Reflections on the Cynefin Framework

The Cynefin Framework can benefit my decision-making in a lot of various ways. It is a representation of how human interactions can be strongly influenced by our own experiences through direct influence, as well as personal experiences.  The framework is broken into 4 different areas, complex, chaotic, complicated, and obvious.  This framework can help leaders determine prevailing operative context so that they can make appropriate choices.  Some of the ways this framework can benefit my decision-making can be see when thinking about the complex and complicated areas. 

In my current position, there is no right or wrong answer to a lot of problems, making it difficult at times to understand and analyze the situation to make the best choices.  In complicated situations, cause and effect relationships are discoverable, but not immediately apparent to everyone.  There is also usually more than one right answer.  A good response to complicated situations involves encouraging external and internal stakeholders to challenge expert opinion and to use experiments and games to force people to think outside the familiar.  I feel like I attempt to do this in a lot of positions.  I feel, at times, that I think and act differently from the other managers I work with and I feel that a lot of that is because I utilize ideas like the one discussed here.  I am open to all sorts of ideas and am happy to hear outsider’s opinions on situations.  Sometimes this can be difficult and cause issues as people may see me as a lackadaisical manager, but that isn’t the case.  I just choose to let my subordinates think and share opinions more freely within the workplace. 

In complex situations, there are also no right answers.  The unknowns are unknown and there are many competing ideas.  This is very true for my current work environment.  There is a lot of light competition between management, causing competing ideas on how things should be run.  I usually approach situations like this in a patient manner, which allows time for reflection.  I realize I may not have all the answers and I feel that allowing yourself time to reflect upon ways to improve the situation. 

Overall, I think it is important to study and understand this framework as it offers valuable insight into ways to approach different types of situations within the workplace, as well as in your own personal life.