Improving
Decisions with Cynefin
The
Cynefin Framework, as explained by Snowden and Boone (2007), is a sense making
model, that provides the data to be considered precedes the framework and
allows for greater exploration in the decision making process. Our “multiple
belongings… cultural, religious, geographic, tribal, etc.”, as Snowden explains
in a presentation by Cognitive Edge (2010), are known and the framework allows
us to make sense of those belongings. The
world of mathematics provides excellent examples of simple, complicated,
complex, and sometimes chaotic quadrants that exist with each higher level.
Consider
the simple equation of 1 + 1 = 2. There is a clear cause and effect. If one
item is added to another item the result is two items. The right answer is
evident and undisputed (Snowden & Boone, 2007). Little focus is required to
provide the answer. Math, unfortunately, like many decisions, never remains in
the realm of simplicity. Factoring, a process found in College Algebra, offers
multiple ways to arrive at least one correct answer (Snowden & Boone,
2007). One can factor by grouping, the AC method, the guess and test method,
and the quadratic formula. Students are taught to sense how the equation is
written, analyze which method is the best to apply, and respond with the
completely factored equation (Snowden & Boone, 2007). After mastering this skill set, imaginary
numbers soon teach a math student the complex world of math and that sometimes
a simple right answer cannot be found (Snowden & Boone, 2007). The failsafe
experiments often conducted are the use of formulas designed to help a student
identify which problem solving formulas work and which ones cannot be applied
to a given situation. The final realm, chaos, is achieved by becoming complacent
with simple decisions.
Common
core represents the chaotic world of what used to be simple math. A problem
such as 5 times 3 equals 15 is no longer a straightforward answer in the world
of common core. It becomes a tedious exercise of either 5 + 5 + 5 =15 or 3 + 3
+ 3 + 3 + 3 = 15. Snowden and Boone (2007) believe the conditions of scarcity
lead to creative results; although, my opinion of the inner workings of common
core is quite skeptical.
The
Cynefin Framework allows us to recognize there is more than one in which to
view problems. While most of time is spent in disorder, we have the ability to
put on different thinking caps that allow us to see cause and effect,
understand what solutions, if any, are available, how to target our focus
better, determine what processes need to occur before a response, and how to
avoid becoming complacent and falling into chaos.
References
Cognitive Edge. (2010, July 11).
The Cynefin Framework. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/N7oz366X0-8
Snowden, D.J., & Boone, M.E.
(2007, Nov.) A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making. Harvard Business
Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2007/11/a-leaders-framework- for-decision-making/
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