decision . Disorder is the space in the middle . The imperative here is to move to a known domain by gathering information on what you know or identify what you don ’ t know . In full use , the Cynefin framework has sub-domains , and the boundary between obvious and chaotic is seen as a catastrophic one : complacency leads to failure .
The Cynefin framework tells us is why it is important to be able to differentiate between order and un-order . In its simplest terms the approach we use should allow the distinction between order and un-order . If we have seen this before or have experience that can be leveraged , the problem is ordered . If we haven ’ t seen this before and it is truly novel , then this is something that we may be better off exploring first ; therefore , we treat it as un-ordered . In conditions of uncertainty we should consider the worst case , not the simplest , which means that if is ordered then deal with it as complicated ; and engage experts , and if un-ordered then treat it as chaotic and act in an attempt to stabilise the situation . This avoids over simplifying the situation , which is common place .
Much of the management theory available today treats problems as ordered . It defines an ideal future state and tries to close the gap . In reality , what matters is accurately being able to describe the present state and then , of the things you can change , knowing where you can influence the effects of the change and move to a safe-to-fail experimental management of the present , to move forward to a future state which is more sustainable .
Cynefin explains how to recognise and approach the management of different situations . Understanding and responding appropriately is important . Experience , best practice and knowledge , applied in an incorrect context is at best ineffective and at worst harmful . So whilst case base reasoning is useful for ordered environments and obvious decisions , it fails in complex situations . The application of the Cynefin theory is very relevant to IT leaders who need to embrace complexity and paradox , and a willingness to adapt leadership style . Leaders need to be able to identify the context they ’ re working in at any given time and also be able to change their behaviour and their decisions to match that context .
Leaders who don ’ t recognize that a complex domain requires a more experimental mode of management will be ill equipped to perform during conditions of uncertainty .
It is my belief that the time has come to broaden the traditional approach to leadership and decision making and form a new perspective based on complexity science .
The Cynefin framework allows leaders to consider things from new viewpoints , assimilate complex concepts , and address real-world problems and opportunities . Cynefin signifies the multiple factors in each individual ’ s environment and experience that
influence them in ways they can never understand . Using the approach , leaders can learn to define the framework with examples from their own organisation ’ s history and scenarios of its possible future . This helps executives rapidly understand the context in which they are operating ; an imperative for successful leadership .
Michelle Major-Goldsmith
Manager , Service Management Capability Kinetic IT
Michelle Major-Goldsmith is the Service Management Capability Manager with Kinetic IT . Her role is not to ‘ just train ’ but rather to educate , mentor and advise Kinetic IT staff and its customers in the principles of service management and the practical application of these principles in various environments . Michelle has been in the industry for over twenty-five years and has worked across many continents . She was formerly Training Director at UK service management company Sysop and Head of Service Desks at RAC Motoring Services . In addition to her role with Kinetic IT , Michelle is also the chair of the ATO Advisory Council ( AAC ) and AXELOS ’ Working Group and , as such , is instrumental in shaping the accredited training of AXELOS ’ best practices . She has published extensively within the Service Management arena .
References : http :// cynefin . bangor . ac . uk / cynefin . php . en https :// en . wikipedia . org / wiki / Cynefin _ Framework https :// hbr . org / 2007 / 11 / a-leaders-framework-for-decision-making http :// cognitive-edge . com /
9 itSMF Bulletin — June 2017