“We gotta get an image or picture in our head, which we call orientation. Then we have to make a decision as to what we’re going to do, and then implement the decision. . . . Then we look at the [resulting] action, plus our observation, and we drag in new data, new orientation, new decision, new action, ad infinitum.“
John Boyd
OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a four-pronged approach to decision-making developed in the mid-20th century by the military strategist, US Air Force Colonel John Boyd.
Observe – collect current information from as many sources as practically possible
We observe with the aim of building the most accurate and comprehensive picture possible. As we take into account new information about our changing environment, our minds become an open system. In this way, we process new stimuli which facilitates the evolution of our thinking.
Orient – analyze this information, and use it to update your current reality
Mental models shape everything in the OODA Loop and are the crux of how we orient ourselves. To be effective, we must be free as possible from the influence of cognitive biases. The more we rely on outdated mental models even while the world around us is changing, the more our mental “entropy” goes up.
“If you got one doctrine, you’re a dinosaur. Period…So you’ve got to have multiple models. And the models have to come from multiple disciplines — because all the wisdom of the world is not to be found in one little academic department.”
John Boyd
Orienting is the ability to apply and combine mental models quickly and in the face of uncertainty.
Decide – determine a course of action
When we decide, we’re essentially moving forward with our best hypothesis.
Act – follow through on decisions
By taking action, we test our decision.
At this point, it should be noted that we are talking about a “loop” and not a linear concept. Furthermore, all parts of the OODA Loop should be considered simultaneously. Observing the action is just as important as the action.
OODA Loop decision-making benefits
- Deliberate speed – Speed kills
- If you are able to be nimble, assess the ever-changing environment, and adapt quickly, you’ll always carry the advantage over any opponents.
- Comfort with uncertainty
“The best way to succeed is to revel in ambiguity.”
Grant Hammond
- Unpredictability – When you act fast enough, or irregularly, your opponent will view you as unpredictable
Speed and timing are complementary
One that processes successful, consecutive OODA Loops faster than their opponent will win the conflict. Additionally, rapid OODA Loop-ing on your part “resets” your opponent’s OODA Loop by causing confusion — it sends them back to square one. Your opponent will break their rhythm and cause them to miss a beat, which exposes them to vulnerability.
In addition to being a rapid decision-making model, rapid changes in tempo for processing your OODA Loop will aid in its successful implementation.
OODA Loop is an interactive, iterative process
When our circumstances change, we often fail to shift our perspective and instead continue to try to see the world as we feel it should be. The OODA Loop encourages this evolution as each repetition provides more information to inform the next one, making it a feedback loop.
OODA Loop is an explicit tool used to cope with a rapidly changing environment. It is a learning system, a method for dealing with uncertainty, and a strategy for winning.