cynefin
Cynefin sense-making framework categorizing problems as Simple, Complicated, Complex, Chaotic, or Confused to select the right approach. Use when unsure how to tackle a problem.
How do I install this agent skill?
npx skills add https://github.com/neurofoo/agent-skills --skill cynefinIs this agent skill safe to install?
- Gen Agent Trust Hubpass
The skill provides a structured framework for problem analysis and does not contain any malicious code, external dependencies, or security risks.
- Socketpass
No alerts
- Snykpass
Risk: LOW · No issues
- Runlayerpass
5 files scanned · No issues
What does this agent skill do?
Cynefin Analysis
Analyze a situation through the Cynefin framework to understand what type of problem it is and choose the appropriate response.
Instructions
Determine which Cynefin domain the problem belongs to, then apply the appropriate response approach. Be willing to recognize that parts of a problem may span multiple domains.
Output Format
Situation: [What we're analyzing]
Initial Assessment
Characteristics Check
| Characteristic | Yes/No/Maybe | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cause and effect are clear and predictable | ||
| Experts can analyze and determine the answer | ||
| Outcomes can only be understood in hindsight | ||
| The situation is unstable/in crisis | ||
| We genuinely don't know what kind of problem this is |
Domain Classification
Primary Domain: [Simple/Complicated/Complex/Chaotic/Confused]
Why this domain? [Reasoning for the classification]
Domain-Appropriate Response
If SIMPLE/OBVIOUS
Sense → Categorize → Respond
Best Practice to Apply: [The established approach]
If COMPLICATED
Sense → Analyze → Respond
Experts Needed: [Who has the expertise?] Analysis Required: [What to investigate?]
If COMPLEX
Probe → Sense → Respond
Safe-to-Fail Experiments:
| Probe | What We'd Learn | Amplify if... | Dampen if... |
|---|---|---|---|
| [experiment] | [insight] | [success indicators] | [failure indicators] |
Key Mindset: Don't try to predict. Try things, observe, adapt.
If CHAOTIC
Act → Sense → Respond
Immediate Stabilization: [What action do we take right now?]
If CONFUSED
Break down, then categorize
| Sub-problem | Likely Domain | Why |
|---|---|---|
| [sub-problem] | [domain] | [reasoning] |
Boundary Warnings
| Transition | Warning Signs | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Simple → Chaotic | Complacency | Challenge assumptions |
| Complicated → Complex | Analysis not converging | Try probes instead |
| Complex → Chaotic | Loss of control | Stabilize fast |
Recommended Approach
Given this is a [DOMAIN] problem, we should:
- [Primary approach]
- [Supporting action]
Guidelines
- Most people default to Complicated (analysis) when Complex (probes) is needed
- "Best practice" is only valid in Simple domain
- In Complex, you can't predict—you can only experiment and adapt
- In Chaotic, act first, think later
$ARGUMENTS
How can the creator link this skill?
Add the canonical catalog link to the repository README so users can inspect current installs and available audits. The publishing guide covers the complete discovery path.
<a href="https://skillzs.dev/skills/neurofoo/agent-skills/cynefin">View cynefin on skillZs</a>