The Blind Men and the Hippopotamus
A fable contrasting tame (elephant) and wild (hippopotamus) problems, emphasizing that different situations require different approaches, akin to the Cynefin framework.
THE IDEA
The Blind Men and the Hippopotamus
In the fable of the blind men and the hippopotamus, Xiang contrasts the elephant with the hippopotamus. Elephants are mostly tame, and hippopotami are mostly “aggressive, untamable, and dangerous.” (2) When dealing with complexity, the hippopotamus fable is especially relevant. Hippopotami introduce wildness. When assessing a situation, first ask whether you are dealing with an elephant (tame) or a hippopotamus (wild). Each will require a different approach.
Figure 1. The Cynefin Framework with tame and wild problems
When to use it
Choosing project management methodology (Waterfall vs Agile) based on problem stability.
Assessing market entry strategy for a new product in a volatile industry.
Evaluating organizational change initiatives: is the environment predictable or uncertain?
Deciding between prescriptive and adaptive approaches in policy-making or crisis management.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Project Management Methodology Choice
A project manager deciding between Waterfall and Agile methods first determines whether the project environment is tame (predictable, with clear requirements) or wild (uncertain, with changing requirements). If tame, Waterfall may work; if wild, Agile is more appropriate.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you determine whether a problem you are facing is tame or wild? What signs indicate wildness?
When have you mistakenly treated a wild problem as tame, or vice versa?
How does the distinction between tame and wild change your approach to decision-making?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Cynefin - Weaving Sense-Making into the Fabric of Our World ED02 (Dave Snowden Sonja Blignaut Zhen Goh)