Cynefin

I first came across the Cynefin Framework during my research at Massey, then later I signed up for a Masterclass with Dave Snowden in NZ. In truth, it was the shortened definition of Cynefin [kuh-NEV-in] that first resonated with me: “Place of Your Multiple Belongings”.
 
I’m a Persian by descent, a diaspora by circumstance; schooling was in England, met & married a pakeha kiwi in Scotland & my first career was engineering!
 
Cynefin spoke to my heart & mind differently to other decision making frameworks.
 
The book, “Cynefin: weaving sense-making into the fabric of our world” (2020) and now the Field Guide, “Managing complexity (and chaos) in times of crisis” (2021) are generous offerings for those seeking new & different ways of working together.
 
If not now, then when?
 
The T.S.Eliot quote closes the Field Guide & this paragraph (p.66) really resonated for me:
 
“The need to act in concert, to work together, is key but that working together recognises what, from a complexity science perspective, we would call requisite diversity. We don’t want to homogenise but to create coherent heterogeneity, or the ability to come together in common need for common purpose without the loss of what made us distinctive in the first place.”
 
In my experience, done well, it's mana enhancing for all.