Growth strategy framework

For graduates aspiring to embark on a career in consulting, understanding and effectively navigating complex situations is essential. The Cynefin Framework (pronounced: Kin-ev-in) provides a powerful tool for consultants to make sense of different problem domains and determine appropriate approaches.In this article, we will explore the Cynefin Framework, its sections - Simple, Complicated, Complex, and Chaotic and the Disorder domain. Additionally, we will provide an example of how the framework can be applied in the consulting industry. Understanding the Cynefin FrameworkThe Cynefin Framework, developed by Dave Snowden, offers a sense-making model to categorize problem areas based on their levels of complexity and uncertainty (the two “basis elements” of the framework).  It helps consultants identify the appropriate management and decision-making approaches in five different contexts that result in four areas and a center unit:Simple Domain: Best Practices and Standard Operating Procedures In the Simple domain, problems are clear-cut, predictable, and easily resolved using established best practices and standard operating procedures. Consultants can rely on known solutions and established rules to address challenges within this domain.Complicated Domain: Expertise and Analysis The Complicated domain involves issues that require expertise and analysis to determine the most suitable solutions. There may be multiple valid approaches, but they require careful investigation, expert opinions, and data analysis to make informed decisions.Complex Domain: Emergence and Adaptation The Complex domain is characterized by uncertainty, ambiguity, and a lack of clear cause-and-effect relationships. Consultants must navigate this domain by probing, sensing, and responding to emergent patterns. Multiple perspectives, experimentation, and adaptive strategies are crucial in dealing with complex problems.Chaotic Domain: Urgency and Rapid Response The Chaotic domain represents situations of extreme uncertainty and urgency, where there is no apparent order. Consultants must act swiftly and decisively to establish stability and restore order. This may involve making quick decisions, containing crises, and stabilizing the situation.Disorder: Transition and Uncertainty The Disorder domain serves as a center unit and describes the transition state, representing a lack of clarity about which domain a problem falls into. It highlights the need for consultants to identify and understand the nature of the problem before determining an appropriate approach.  Applying the Cynefin Framework in the Consulting IndustryLet's consider a case where a consulting firm is working with a global manufacturing company facing a significant disruption in its supply chain:Simple: The consulting team identifies that the supply chain disruption is due to a known issue—a breakdown in communication between departments. They can apply a predefined set of best practices and standard operating procedures to address the problem and restore communication channels.Complicated: Upon further investigation, the consulting team discovers that the disruption is caused by a breakdown in a critical supplier relationship. They bring in experts and conduct a detailed analysis of alternative solutions, such as identifying new suppliers or renegotiating contracts, based on the company's specific requirements.Complex: As the investigation deepens, the consulting team realizes that the disruption is a result of multiple interconnected factors, including geopolitical events and market volatility. They facilitate diverse perspectives and experimentation to explore adaptive strategies, such as diversifying the supplier base, implementing risk mitigation measures, and leveraging emerging technologies for real-time supply chain visibility.Chaotic: In a worst-case scenario, if the disruption escalates into a chaotic situation, such as a natural disaster or political crisis, the consulting team's focus shifts to rapid response and containment. They assist the company in activating crisis management protocols, establishing alternative supply routes, and stabilizing the situation to restore order.  Mastering the Cynefin FrameworkThe Cynefin Framework is a leader's framework for decision making. It equips consultants with a powerful sense-making tool to navigate complexity and make informed decisions in different problem domains. By understanding the characteristics of the Simple, Complicated, Complex, and Chaotic domains, consultants can apply appropriate strategies and approaches to address diverse challenges.As graduates embarking on a consulting career, mastering the Cynefin Framework will enable you to effectively analyze and solve complex problems, bringing value to clients in an ever-changing business landscape.

The Strategic Public Value Triangle is a conceptual framework developed by Prof. Mark H. Moore to guide public managers in creating public value. It emphasizes the interplay between three key elements: public value proposition, the operational capacity to deliver, and the legitimacy and support of the authorizing environment.Prof. Mark H. Moore is a distinguished academic known for his work in public management and leadership. He is the Hauser Professor of Nonprofit Organizations at the Harvard Kennedy School. Moore's research and teachings have significantly influenced the field of public administration, particularly with the introduction of the Strategic Public Triangle in his seminal book "Creating Public Value: Strategic Management in Government" published in 1995. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Strategic Public TriangleThe Strategic Public Triangle serves as a guiding tool for consultants working in the public sector. It aids them in:Identifying the value their initiatives bring to the public.Ensuring they have the operational capability to deliver on their promises.Securing the necessary legitimacy and support from stakeholders, including political authorizers, beneficiaries, and the broader public.Advantages:Holistic Approach: The Strategic Triangle offers a comprehensive view of public management. It doesn't just focus on the value delivered but also takes into account the means of delivery and the surrounding environment. For instance, when a city plans to introduce a new public transportation system, the triangle would prompt officials to consider not just the efficiency of the system, but also the infrastructure required and the public's reception to the change.Flexibility: The framework is versatile and can be applied across various public sector contexts, from local to federal levels. For example, whether a small town is trying to improve its local library services or a national government is overhauling its healthcare system, the Strategic Public Value Triangle can guide decision-making.Stakeholder Engagement: The triangle emphasizes the importance of legitimacy and support, ensuring that public managers remain deeply connected with their stakeholders. When a public school district, for instance, wants to revise its curriculum, using the triangle would mean not just focusing on educational outcomes but also engaging with parents, teachers, and students to gain their support.Disadvantages:Complexity: The intricate interplay between the triangle's three elements can be challenging to navigate. For instance, a public health initiative aiming to reduce smoking might deliver public value and have operational capability, but if it doesn't gain the support of certain influential groups, its effectiveness could be compromised.Potential for Overemphasis: There's a risk that public managers might focus too much on one element of the triangle at the expense of the others. A city might, for example, pour resources into a state-of-the-art waste management facility (operational capability) but neglect to consider whether the public sees it as a priority (public value) or if it has the political backing needed (legitimacy and support).Requires Continuous Monitoring: The dynamics of the public sector mean that the elements of the triangle can change rapidly. A policy that enjoys broad public support today might face opposition tomorrow due to changing political or social climates. For example, a renewable energy initiative that is popular during a period of environmental activism might lose traction if economic downturns shift public focus to immediate job creation. Alternative FrameworksSeveral other management and strategic frameworks can be applied in the public sector, including:SWOT Analysis: Evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.Balanced Scorecard: Focuses on performance metrics across various perspectives.PESTEL Analysis: Considers political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors affecting an organization.Logic Model: A tool used to visualize the relationship between resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes of a program. A Concept for Understanding Public ValueThe Strategic Public Triangle, conceptualized by Prof. Mark H. Moore, helps consultants in public management. It underscores the necessity of not only delivering tangible value to the public but also ensuring that the means of delivery are robust and that there's a harmonious relationship with the surrounding political and social environment. While it offers a comprehensive and flexible approach, it also demands astute understanding and continuous engagement from public managers. In an ever-evolving public sector landscape, tools like the Strategic Public Triangle remain indispensable, guiding public servants and consultants alike in their quest to create lasting public value. As with any framework, its effectiveness lies in its application, urging those in the public realm to strike a balance between value, capability, and legitimacy.