cynefin: a growing resource list

Introduction

Start here: https://zaid.substack.com/p/idea-complex-complicated-dave-snowden

Or if you prefer reading the man himself, here is the OG article from 2007: https://hbr.org/2007/11/a-leaders-framework-for-decision-making

Further reading

• The official Cynefin wiki: https://cynefin.io/wiki/Cynefin
• Open University online course, part of an interesting larger module about Planning for the future
• 2016 talk by Dave Snowden: How leaders change culture through small actions (transcript-ish by Brian Shirai here)

One of the big differences between complexity and systems thinking: In systems thinking, you define the ideal future state and you try to close the gap. In complexity, you describe the present and see what you can change. You define a direction of travel, not a goal.

If you start on a journey, you will discover things you didn’t know you could discover which have high utility. If you have an explicit goal, you may miss the very things you need to discover.

-Dave Snowden

Using it

• Managing complexity (and chaos) in times of crisis. A field guide for decision makers inspired by the Cynefin framework (PDF direct download)

Facilitation Activities

• https://dandypeople.com/blog/cynefin-simulation-create-aha-feeling-20-min-plan-deliver-complex-situations
• https://www.agile42.com/en/organic-leadership/cynefin-lego-game