Definition:
Container Difference Exchange (CDE) Model explains 3 condition of self-organising systems that influences the speed, path and direction. These conditions shape the patterns that make up the reality of your world. CDE Model is used to explore the patterns in life and work, identify conditions that give rise to those patterns which helps in speculating how changing conditions can shift the patterns. Using this model one can look deep into the dynamic of patterns around.
CDE model is used to explore the dynamics of system, where we can see how patterns emerge. This understanding offers multiple options to take action that influence the patterns towards achieving greater resilience and sustainability. Containers may emerge from physical boundaries, may be a psychological or emotional connection that gives rise to patterns. A strong charismatic leader, fear of the future, organisational silos – all of these are containers that can shape patterns of interaction and decision making. A container may be as simple as the agenda of a meeting, length, time, content and discussion. Differences refer to the significant “differences that make a difference”” in the system. Difference in the system provides the potential for change and the emergence of patterns as there is negotiation that accommodate the diversities that separate them. Increasing, decreasing or introducing new differences will shift the conditions and change the emergent patterns in a system. Exchange is any flow that generates changes in the system. Feedback, dialogue, conversation are few examples where there are multiple ways in the the system to share information, energy and other resources. Connections in the system ensures there is exchange, differences that influences decision and action where pattern emerge.
Further Reading:
Book: SUCCEEDING WITH AGILE Software Development Using Scrum by Mike Cohn
