Cynefin is all about boundaries. In that way, it reflects human systems such that knowing where the boundaries are between specific contexts are critical to our meaning-making, identity structures, and ability to relate to each other. Cynefin’s boundaries help us to know what kind of systemic context we find ourselves in, and when we are

“In the universe, there are things that are known, and things that are unknown, and between them, there are doors.” – William Blake

There is a historical Chinese legend dating back to 2000 BC, depicting two lords who spent their lives attempting to tame the waters of the Yellow River. Archaeological evidence indicates that during this time, floods plagued the Chinese heartland through which the Yellow River runs. Floods prevented economic and social development. (2) At the

“Thirty spokes share the hub of a wheel; yet it is its center that makes it useful. You can mold clay into a vessel; yet, it is its emptiness that makes it useful. Cut doors and windows from the walls of a house; but the ultimate use of the house will depend on that part where nothing exists. Therefore, something is shaped into what is; but its

Heuristics The term comes from Ancient Greek to mean “I discover.” Heuristics refer to strategies for problem solving that derive from learned patterns and previous experiences. Heuristics can also be referred to as “rules of thumb.” They are mental shortcuts that ease the cognitive load making a decision.

There are different types of practice in each of the Cynefin domains including the liminal areas. In the Complex domain practice is ‘exaptive,’ or focused on radical re-purposing of existing capability. In the Complicated domain we apply ‘good practice,’ in Clear we have the only legitimate application of ‘best practice,’ In the liminal area

Cynefin is also part of a body of work looking at the dynamic interplay between deductive, inductive, and abductive sense-making.

The yin/yang symbol is popularly used to symbolize the importance of harmony and coherence of seemingly opposing influences. It serves as a reminder to consider how every action we take has ripple effects and affects other things in non-linear ways. The Dao suggests that the world is inherently entangled, and this interconnectivity means that

Phenomenology The philosophical study of consciousness and experiences from the first person perspective.