During a recent read, I learned about the Cynefin Framework:
(Source: HBR article here)
I think this is an interesting framework. It helps me to categorize each conflict and how best to first approach it. The framework arranges the steps in order of priority for each category.
There are four areas in which I can classify a problem which I am facing: Simple, Chaos, Complicated, Complex and Disorder. In each area, except for Disorder, the responses are arranged in the order in which one we should do first.
Simple problems are problems which we have faced before and we have already formed a strategy to solve previously, which are our "Best Practice". In facing a Simple problem, we first have to sense it, which means recognizing it as a problem that we have a strategy for. We then categorize the problem to respond to it with our Best Practice. For example, in an outpatient clinic, a patient comes with fever and the doctor senses and categorizes the fever and responds with a treatment plan according to the clinical guideline. In life, we face simple problems everyday and we are at times automated to respond. However, there are times, due to external factors such as stress, we may forget or fail to recognize it as a simple problem. Therefore, the initial step of "Sense" is crucial in navigating a Simple problem.
During the process of sensing a problem, we may realize that a Simple problem may actually be a Complicated one. The first step in facing a Complicated problem is also "Sense". A Complicated problem is tricky because it may be any of the other classifications, therefore, sensing it as complicated is essential. Complicated problems are different than Simple as they may arise from multiple sources, however, they are still within a familiar domain. Analyzing the problem is the next step in order to arrive the final step of "respond". For example, the viral fever patient may present with a known complication rather than the usual symptom and needs a more comprehensive treatment plan. In life, Complicated problems are problems that need more time to be sorted out. In dealing with one, you may need more support and resources. Sensing a Complicated problem and taking time to analyze it is crucial to come up with a Good Practice that can also be used later in life.
A Complex problem is a step higher than Complicated. A Complicated problem may feel familiar, however, a Complex problem may be in an unfamiliar domain. But we should not be daunted by it. Making sense out of a Complex problem is not the first step. We should Probe the problem first, asking questions and investigating its many aspects, trying to find the various sources and the effects. After probing, we may have enough information to make sense out of it and respond. The whole process will give birth to an Emergent Practice - it may not be a perfect or best practice, as it may evolve with time. But it will have enough steps to at least start the problem solving process. For example, a patient may present with a symptom or syndrome that is not straightforward as a result from his acute and chronic illnesses, or maybe after a long period of hospitalization. A doctor will need to probe the problem further to make sense of it before responding with a treatment plan.
Chaos is when a problem is huge and new, that it destabilizes the whole structure of our lives. In facing this type of problem, ACT FIRST. Act on it first, think later. Confront the problem and take it at face value. After the problem has somewhat stabilize, we can take time to make sense out of it and respond accordingly. For example, a doctor facing a patient bleeding profusely in the emergency room - the first step is to stop the bleeding by any means possible. The reason behind the bleeding is not important during the initial part of this problem. After the bleeding has stopped and the patient has stabilized, then the doctor can proceed with investigations to come up with a treatment plan. In life, we always face this problem such as during our first argument with our partner. We act on it first, trying to stabilize his or her emotion before proceeding with the next step in problem solving. As we solve it, we come up with a Novel Practice - something new, as time goes on, we can get more familiar with a chaotic problem and it may evolve into other more stable problem such as a complex or complicated problem. Therefore, facing Chaos and acting on it first is crucial to tame it.
Disorder is when everything is unfamiliar and we can not even find resources to help us contain the problem. Trailblazing or fire fighter approach is best; trial and error. It also helps to break the problem down to little pieces and try to find a familiar pattern to categorize them back to either Simple, Complex, Complicated or Chaos. We may find surprises here even when we failed. The most important thing to do is ask for help and keep calm. Our Disorder may be someone else's Complex or Complicated problem. Therefore, reaching out to as many people as possible may be a good step in facing such a situation.
This framework has helped me figure out the first steps in solving a problem: Categorize and The First Step. When I feel lost while facing a problem at home or at work, I remind myself of this framework and try to fit the problem into a category. After I figured it out, I just follow the first step. I find that taking the first step in solving a problem already solved about 50% of the problem itself.
In life, trying to make sense of a problem and figuring out the first step to take in solving it are what we do every day. It helps when there is a method to categorize each problem and prioritize our actions. A problem may evolve as we investigate deeper or as we solve it, it may become simpler or more complicated. Remember to never lose hope and reach out for help when we need it.
Comments
Post a Comment