Not all problems require the same approach. In fact, by understanding the nature of the problem the collaborative or community is facing, we can better determine a strategy or strategies to resolve that problem, dilemma, or opportunity.
The Cynefin Framework, developed by David Snowden, provides a way of understanding different types of problems which face organizations, collaboratives, and communities.
The tool divides problems into four different types:
Obvious or simple problems
Complicated or technical problems
Complex problems
Chaotic problems
The tool is a fillable PDF form that can be used to diagnose different problems and determine a strategy for addressing the problem.
Listen to the webinar recording where Tamarack Co-CEO Liz Weaver and Consulting Director of Collective Impact Sylvia Cheuy discuss the tool and how to use it.
Read an overview of the Cynefin framework, published in the Harvard Business Review