Online Colloquium n° 58: Estuarine Mapping - a playful way of managing complexity

Topic: Estuarine Mapping - a playful way of managing complexity

Estuarine mapping was introduced in 2022 as the third major framework in the Cynefin ecosystem and is still in development (https://thecynefin.co/category/estuarine-mapping/). The method builds on "Managing complexity (and chaos) in times of crisis", the EU field guide for decision makers inspired by the Cynefin framework.

As a Dutchman growing up in an estuary, the metaphor comes naturally to me: depending on the tide and the circumstances, water flows in and flows out, and I need to adapt my timing to the turn of the tide. While some elements in the estuary are rigid like granite rocks, sandbanks move and may shift position unannounced.  https://cynefin.io/wiki/Estuarine_framework

Likewise in real life, our reference points that were stable for a long time, may suddenly change. This happened with the energy prices in 2022 and the Covid pandemic in 2020. It is relevant to understand which changes can happen and which have a substantial impact. Estuarine mapping starts with identifying the reference points or constraints in the situation we would like to explore.

In the Colloquium, I invite you to try out Estuarine mapping in practice. For this evening, the goal is to introduce you to this new method and to explore it together by applying it to the subject of the evening. No preparation is needed, except an openness to something new.

Further readings:

Estuarine Mapping first edition https://thecynefin.co/estuarine-mapping/

Managing complexity (and chaos) in times of crisis. A field guide for decision makers inspired by the Cynefin framework: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC123629