Key Management Development Models, 3rd Edition

14

OODA loop

The big picture

When you have to make a decision in a hurry, you need to ensure that it is the right decision. The OODA loop may help. US Air Force Colonel John Boyd (1927–1997) developed the OODA loop for decision making in times of military air combat, but the model has more general business appeal. It has four components – Observe, Orient, Decide, Act – shown in Figure 14.1.

Figure 14.1 OODA loop

When to use it

Use the OODA loop whenever you need to make a decision whose consequences could be far-reaching.

How to use it

• Observe: collect as much information as you can from the widest range of sources, including what you see happening ...