Definition
Black Swan (BS) are the unknown, unknowns, an event or situation which is unpredictable, but has a major effect. (coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb)
Black Elephant (BE) is the "evil spawn of our cognitive biases." It is a cross between a Black Swan and the proverbial Elephant in the Room: a problem that is actually visible to everyone but no one wants to deal with it. When it blows up as a serious problem, a widespread reaction is that of shock and surprise, whereas, in reality, it should not have come as a surprise. (coined by Peter Ho)
Black Jellyfish (BJ) represent events and phenomenom that have the potential of going postnormal by escalating rapidly-even instantaneously. (coined by cppfs)
Gray Rhinos (GR) are the obvious risks that are neglected despite – and often because of – their size and likelihood. (coined by Michele Wucker)
Pink Flamingos (PF) are the known, knowns that are often discussed, but ignored by leaders trapped by organizational cultures and rigid bureaucratic decision-making structures. (coined by Franck Hoffman)
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