The most effective leaders understand that problem solving is not a "one-size-fits-all" process. They know that their actions depend on the situation, and they make better decisions by adapting their approach to changing circumstances.
But how do you know which approach you should use in a particular situation? And how can you avoid making the wrong decision?
Via Kenneth Mikkelsen, Dean J. Fusto
This framework provides guidance to solving different problems in different ways rather than approaching all problems with the same process. The article provides some simple but clear examples of how to know which situation you're in and how to proceed.
Cynefim is all about understanding your context. It divides the logic of the present situation in obvious, complicated, complex or chaotic. There exit many possible ways to excel in innovation, futuring and strategy. Still, strategy is often obvious, especially when you link monetary rewards with execution. Innovation was adapted by the market as complicated (sense, analyze and respond). And Futuring is by definition complex, and we can fully understand it only when it arrives. The interesting aspects in that observation is that organizations have to work all three dimensions - obvious, complicated and complex to guarantee sustainable value generation over time. We need integration.
However, the categorization of Strategy, Innovation and Futuring represent only their initial states and different methods, methodologies and tools exist to alter their dimension in the Cynefim Model. The Framework is rich, inspiring and most importantly helps you to increase the awareness about the initial situation and what challenges lie ahead.
Some things are worth having others are worth keeping.