Cynefin is a Welsh word that stems from the word habitat in English. Cynefin talks about the environments in which we tend to stumble across when situations arise and how we can chose to respond in order to achieve the best results.
The Cynefin model demonstrates four quarters which represent: Chaotic, Complex, Complicated and Simple which on this model above is represented as Clear. In the middle of all four of these quarters is the centre of disorder. This centre point serves as a bearing point for where there is no clarity and understanding around any of the situations that apply.
Clear / Simple
The clear region represents situations and areas that are well known and the cause and effect is clear and where the situation is predictable, perceivable and repeatable. In this particular case we would chose to follow best practice and as there is a strong sense of order we would respond using "sense > categorise > respond.". This means we would establish the facts first, then categorise and respond by applying our best practices to the situation.
Complicated
The complicated region represents areas where there are known unknowns and the cause and effect is separated in time and space . In this particular case we would chose to respond with our expertise and judgement, and as we are still on the more progressive scale or order we would respond using "sense > analyse > respond" applying good practice to the situation after assessing facts, analysing the situation and selecting our good operating practices to apply.
How does good practice differ from best practice?
Good practice is where a particular process has been applied and shown consistent results and superior to the average, it can be delivered with fewer problems and complications. Best practice is also known as 'state of the art' that has been trialed and tested and is the best solution. This terminology can also be marked as surpass all other options in terms of excellence, achievement and quality.
Complex
The complex region represents situations and areas that are retrospectively coherent and where the cause and effect relationship is non-repeatable, otherwise known as the unknown unknowns. This area most commonly arises during software development projects where there is a high level of unpredictability and teams adapt to iterative and incremental processes in order to gather feedback and pivot quickly. In complex situations we chose to respond with patterns emergence and multi-experimentations where we need to "probe>sense> respond" and let patterns emerge in order to make the best decisions and judgements at the time.
Chaotic
The chaotic region represents situations where cause and effect is completely unclear.
In this case the scenario is too confusing to wait for patterns to emerge or knowledge based expertise as this won't work effectively in this quartile. In this situation we would have to "act>sense>respond" meaning that we would act first to establish a direction to go in and then respond so that the situation can be shifted towards the complexity scale where patterns can be identified and retrospected in oder to prevent similar situations from arising again in future.
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