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4.12.2011

Two different breeds of Chaos

The Chaotic quadrant in the Cynefin model makes it seem like there is only one kind of chaos. By straddling the Chaotic quadrant with two different circles, I'm saying there are two different breeds of chaos. There are both Chaotic as the Cynefin model says, but they are not the same as my overlay of circles conveys. One feels bottomless and the other feels like solid ground.

When we straddle Simple and Chaotic, we're trying to keep things simple. We do this to compensate for the maelstrom of troublesome emotions we're keeping under wraps. The chaos is within us and occasionally leaking out. We experience this inner chaos as insatiable needs for companionship and inordinate appetites for mood-altering consumerism. The bottomless nature makes us clinging, needy, insecure and desperate. There's no way to control the raging tempest within, so we put a lid on it and keep that lid from flipping. We first Act to stabilize the chaos, as Dave Snowden suggests. We remain very prone to fall into our inner chaos because we've adopted an overly simplistic approach to the overall situation.

When we straddle Complex and Chaotic, we're trying to include everything in our awareness. We considering constituencies removed from direct contact with us.  We show interest in others' secondary and long term interests. We relate to the complexity of interrelationships and interdependencies that defy logical reasoning. We're entertaining paradoxes that deliver the best of both alternatives. We're rising above dilemmas from a vantage point which combines irreconcilable, cross purposes.   We're immersing ourselves in the  outer Chaotic environment. We first act to embrace what presents itself as out of our control. We can do this because on the inside, we are simply serene, fearless and compassionate. We are in a place that is night & day opposite from being plagued by inner chaos.

When we accept there are two breeds of Chaos, then it's not all bad or always to be avoided. The good breed of chaos will reward us for responding serenely and inclusively rather than fearfully and exclusively.

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