“I made the best decision I could…
but it still backfired.”
– A Manager
Sometimes your choice works.
Other times, despite logic and planning, it fails.
Why?
Because not every problem lives in the same world.
You as a Trainer or a Leader must consider -
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 → The Cynefin Framework (Dave Snowden)
It helps you know what kind of problem you’re solving:
Simple • Complicated • Complex • Chaotic
1. Simple → Clear cause & effect. Best practice works.
2. Complicated → Needs analysis or expertise. Many possible answers.
3. Complex → Unpredictable. Only experiments reveal the way.
4. Chaotic → No time for analysis. Act fast to stabilize.
𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲
Your IT system goes down.
If it’s a known bug → Simple, fix with standard process.
If it needs expert review → Complicated, call in specialists.
If it’s user adoption issues → Complex, try small changes, test, learn.
If it’s a crisis with zero access → Chaotic, act immediately, stabilize, then analyze.
You don’t fail because of bad decisions.
You fail because you used the wrong lens.
Here’s the truth –
Smart leaders don’t just decide fast.
They decide in context.
And Cynefin gives you the wisdom to choose the right approach, every time.
For more such frameworks and Deliverable Training Content - visit corporatetraininglibrary.com
Abhishek Rajput
Icarians
