From Harvard Business Review By David J Snowden

From Harvard Business Review By: David J. Snowden and Mary E. Boone Harvard business DECISION MAKING

The Cynefin Framework � Cynefin (ku-nev-in): Welsh word that signifies the multiple factors in our environment and our experience that influence us in ways we can never understand. � Therefore—not all decisions have a simple answer.

The Four Domains

Simple Domain � Characteristics: ○ Repeating patterns ○ Clear cause and effect ○ Fact-based management � The Leader’s Job: ○ Sense, Categorize, Respond ○ Communicate in clear and direct ways ○ Interactive communication may not be necessary � Danger! ○ Complacency and comfort ○ Desire to make complex problems simple ○ Overreliance on best practice

Complicated Domain � Characteristics: ○ Expert diagnosis required ○ Cause and effect not immediately apparent to everyone ○ Fact based but—more than one right answer � The Leader’s Job: ○ Sense, Analyze, Respond ○ Create panels of experts ○ Listen to conflicting advice � Danger! ○ Experts can become overconfident and blind to other solutions ○ Viewpoints of non-experts are excluded ○ Analysis Paralysis

Complex Domain � Characteristics: ○ Flux and unpredictability ○ Need for creative and innovative approaches ○ Unknowns � The Leader’s Job: ○ Probe, Sense, Respond ○ Increased levels of interaction and communication ○ Use methods that help generate ideas � Danger! ○ Temptation to fall back into habitual command- control mode ○ Temptation to look for facts rather than allowing patterns to emerge ○ Desire to cut short time involved

Chaotic Domain � Characteristics: ○ High turbulence ○ Many decisions and no time ○ High tension � The Leader’s Job: ○ Act, Sense, Respond ○ Look for what works instead of seeking right answers ○ Provide clear, direct communication � Danger! ○ Applying a command-control approach longer than needed ○ Missed opportunity for innovation ○ Chaos unabated

What to take away… � Make sure you can analyze what situation you’re in, be it simple, complicated, complex, or chaotic. � Be flexible with your decision making style.

And… � Don’t make decisions like Steve Carell.

Bibliography � Snowden, David J. , and Mary E. Boone. "A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making. " Harvard Business Review: The Essential Guide to Leadership. (2009): 59 -68. Print.