Disruption, Cynefin and ChatGPT
Post hoc, ergo propter hoc
In times of disruption, it's easy to make simple assumptions that because X happened, now Y will happen. But this may not be true depending on the issue we are discussing. Just think of the first months of Covid. I am sure you made a wrongful prediction or two. I know I did...
In times like these, now with AI and ChatGPT on the rise, I find the Cynefin Framework very helpful to select the correct domain for moving forward.
Of course, I asked ChatGPT for it's opinion about disruption and the use of Cynefin.
The Cynefin framework, developed by Dave Snowden, is a decision-making tool that helps leaders and organizations to navigate complexity by categorizing problems into five domains: simple (obvious), complicated, complex, chaotic, and disorder. Using the Cynefin framework can help you better understand the disruption caused by AI and technologies like ChatGPT and determine appropriate actions to take.
Here's how you can apply the Cynefin framework to AI and ChatGPT disruption:
Simple (Obvious): Identify areas where AI and ChatGPT can be easily integrated into existing processes with minimal disruption. These are typically tasks with clear cause-and-effect relationships, such as automating repetitive tasks or answering simple customer inquiries.
Complicated: In this domain, problems have multiple possible solutions that require expert analysis. To address AI and ChatGPT disruption in this domain, you may need to consult with experts who can help you understand the technology, its potential applications, and how it can be integrated into your organization's workflow. Examples might include implementing AI-powered data analysis or optimizing supply chain management with AI.
Complex: The complex domain is characterized by unpredictability and emergent behaviour. AI and ChatGPT's impact on your organization may be difficult to predict, but you can still experiment with different applications and learn from their results. For instance, you can pilot AI-driven marketing campaigns or test out AI-generated content to see how it affects user engagement.
Chaotic: In the chaotic domain, there is little time for analysis, and rapid action is required. When AI and ChatGPT create chaotic disruptions, you need to quickly assess the situation, take immediate action, and then reflect on the outcome. An example could be addressing a sudden PR crisis caused by AI-generated content that has gone viral for the wrong reasons. In such a case, you would need to respond swiftly to minimize damage to your brand and learn from the incident to prevent similar issues in the future.
Disorder: When you're uncertain about which domain a problem falls into, it's in the domain of disorder. In the context of AI and ChatGPT disruption, you should gather more information and analyze the situation to determine the appropriate domain. Once you've identified the correct domain, you can take action accordingly.
By using the Cynefin framework to understand the various aspects of AI and ChatGPT disruption, you can make more informed decisions about how to respond to these emerging technologies. This may include identifying potential opportunities for your organization, as well as addressing challenges and mitigating risks associated with AI adoption.