OODA loop

Updated November 30, 2019
  • Observe
  • Orient
  • Decide
  • Act

A strategic thinking framework developed by Colonel John Boyd, USAF. Since the theater of war is constantly changing, OODA treats decision-making as a control theory problem. You're constantly measuring and readjusting to trend toward your goal — which might be moving.

OODA values agility as a strategic advantage.

Questions:

  • What phase of the OODA loop am I in now? Refocus tactics on that phase.
  • What are my go-to-tools for observation? What tools do others use?
  • How do I orient when faced with a new problem space?
  • Is it better to make decisions quickly or carefully? OODA encourages rapid measure-decide-act loops.

To understand is to know what to do.

  • Ludwig Wittgenstein

And also: solvitur ambulando.

More: