The Cynefin Mini-book

by Greg Brougham

We all recognise that world is inherently complex but what does this mean? From a theory perspective it means that it is an open system where the agents and the environment coevolve and influence each other. This means that traditional approaches that are based on analysis no longer have agency and will not allow us to make sense of the world. It is not about throwing the old out but understanding where existing practices are applicable and where we need to think a new. This mini-book started out as a series of papers that were experiential in nature and which were intended to provide an introduction to complexity theory, the Cynefin framework in particular and some of its related practices. These are simple practices that allow us to make sense of a complex world and allow us to establish what actions are appropriate and how we should act.

54 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Enrico · Rating 2 out of 5]

The more I try to go deeper into Cynefin, the less I find.
The basic ideas – the ones you will find easily across the internet, sense-categorize-respond and so on – and the general focus on developing a sensibility and an alertness to complexity are enticing, yet Cynefin proponents don’t seem to have developed them in any novel way, and they seem to just offer some adequate but usual set of facilitating activities. Anybody knows if there is more out there? Maybe behind the paywall at Cognitive Edge web site?

[Ryan Barretto · Rating 4 out of 5]

An extremely useful book (concept) for those who manage change.

The Cynefin framework is explained clearly, and as a facilitator, I can definitely see how it can be used in my work. I could see how it can be combined with strategic planning or a tool like Future Search or Open Space Technology.

Somehow I felt that something more in terms of examples of organizations that have used this framework could be added.

[Dmytro Fedorchak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Справді хороша книга про Cynefin для тих, хто хоче зрозуміти що це таке за 40 сторінок, бо лінь читати книгу Сновдена))
Зрозумілі приклади, гарно прописані алгоритми дій, хороша візуалізація в таблицях.

[Sergiusz Golec · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cynefin provides an approach and a set of practices for addressing the uncertainty"

[Christophe Addinquy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Cynefin is, at least, cryptic. But I like to use it to draw an overview of the place of agile approach depending on the context. I use it in a "static way", but Dave Snowden explains that the "dynamic view" of the model is what it makes its difference. This is what is was seeking in this book: a clear explanation of the dynamic behavior of the model. But in the end, this mini-books brings its own load of confusion. In fact, it even looks like a pre-sales of the tools from Cognbitive Edge. What a disappointment.
Ma note de lecture en Français ici

[Geert · Rating 4 out of 5]

concise and clear