David Snowden's Cynefin Framework: A Swimming Analogy

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The Cynefin framework categorizes issues as simple, complicated, complex, or chaotic. Simple issues are akin to a toddler's pool where actions are clear and predictable. Complicated issues are compared to Olympic swimming, focusing on efficiency and precise actions. Chaos equates to a storm at sea, with unpredictable and overwhelming factors; the focus is on reaching land quickly. Complexity is like surfing, harnessing the energy of the wave to achieve high speed with minimal effort. Applying this analogy to work, one should look for opportunities to 'ride the wave' and let it do the majority of the work, while focusing on steering and putting in the necessary effort.

With a broad background in the Oil, Water, Healthcare, Finance and Emergency Management industries, Stuart French is author of the www.DeltaKnowledge.net blog, and currently the Head of Knowledge Management at Country Fire Authority in Melbourne, Australia and Chair of the AFAC Knowledge, Innovation & Research Utilisation Network (KIRUN). Stuart combines 25 years of professional experience with a Masters of Knowledge Management (KM) to help companies with expertise identification & management, collaboration, organizational learning and knowledge systems to improve their performance and resilience to change. His research on wikis and knowledge cultures led to a fascination with complexity theory which he now enjoys teaching to various organizations and universities so they can bridge the gap between corporate strategy and service excellence. He continues to serve the KM community as co-host of the Knowledge Management Leadership forum in Melbourne Victoria and is honored to be the Australia delegate at the KM Global Network.