An in-depth overview of the Estuarine Framework workshop with Dave Snowden by Tom Kerwin, which remains valuable to the following. Let’s delve into a few key points.
π In the Estuarine Framework, we use metaphors to arrive at the situation obliquely and increase the range of perspectives we view the situation. The use of metaphor also increases the #cognitive load in the participants, which breaks us out of our usual patterns of thinking. The process creates a very large number of data points at a fine granularity, so nobodyβs able to see the big picture. This stops premature convergence.
β¨ Workshop Day 1 β¨
Presentations:
There were questions about various technical constraints and market situations, as well as a few rabbit-hole discussions of possible issues.
Introduction:
Dave introduced the metaphor of the estuary, from where the framework gets its name. An estuary is where a river meets the sea, and itβs tidal. The metaphor emphasises the complex and multiple flows of possibility in the system β a better match for the world of #businessstrategy than a relatively static landscape, or recipe.
Constraint Brainstorm:
Drawing on the flip chart, Dave introduced the typology of constraints, using the geographical metaphor of estuaries. He started with robust constraints (e.g. sea wall) and resilient #constraints (e.g. salt marsh), then expanded each into a triad, peppered with examples from around the Welsh landscape.
Constraint Mapping:
Now we combined the groups and laid out a Time / Energy Map on a large table surface. Here, energy is a shorthand for many factors: money, resources, attention, …
Three Boundaries:
When most of the post-its were down on the Time / Energy Map, Dave introduced three boundaries.
Monitors, Forward Scouts and Containers :
We self-organised into groups to tackle the different zones within each boundary. the group clustered the constraints and constructors in the middle of the map, also moving the map onto some hastily taped together sheets of flip chart paper, so we could bring the output with us for the next day.
β¨ Workshop Day 2 β¨
Micro-Projects and Ritual Dissent:
On the Time / Energy Map, we brought focus onto the clusters of constraints in the middle of the map, between the vulnerability and liminal boundaries.
Business Model Canvases:
The client had planned the workshop around constructing Business Model Canvases, ideal for sharing ideas with their colleagues.
Conclusion:
The change in group dynamics across the two days was striking. There was a real sense of optimism and collaboration at the end of the two days. If youβre involved in #strategy, I highly recommend this approach.
π Read the full experience here: https://tomkerwin.substack.com/p/a-trip-into-the-estuary
β¨ Next Estuarine Mapping Training Date (Limited seat only)
π https://thecynefin.co/product/estuarine-mapping-virtual-hybrid-nov-23/?utm_source=MBR-FB-ESM&utm_medium=MBR-FB-ESM&utm_campaign=MBR-FB-ESM&utm_id=MBR-FB-ESM
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