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 determining a strategy for addressing the problem.
Deepen Your Learning:
- 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