cynefin-framework

To choose the right problem-solving approach, you must first classify your situation into Clear, Complicated, Complex, or Chaotic domains. This domain classification determines whether to apply best practices, expert analysis, experiments, or immediate stabilization.

The Cynefin framework is a sense-making model that guides decision making by mapping context to one of five domains. It then matches the domain to a specific workflow: Sense-Categorize-Respond, Sense-Analyze-Respond, Probe-Sense-Respond, or Act-Sense-Respond.

Your previous plan likely fails in unpredictable environments due to a wrong-domain mismatch, applying rigid best practices to Complex or Chaotic contexts. You need to switch from analysis to experimentation or immediate stabilization to regain control.

Knowing when to use experiments vs expert analysis depends on your Cynefin domain classification. Use expert analysis for Complicated contexts with known unknowns, and use experiments (Probe-Sense-Respond) for Complex contexts where outcomes are unpredictable.

You can use systems thinking to evaluate solution options after a plan fails by identifying whether the failure stems from treating a Complex situation as merely Complicated. This reframing guides you to test new options through safe-to-fail experiments instead of forcing rigid processes.

You should not use best practices for risk management when your situation is classified as Complex or Chaotic. In these domains, best practices fail because cause-and-effect relationships are unpredictable, requiring experimentation or immediate stabilization instead.