The OODA Loop Strategy + 600K Impressions

Here’s why the best leaders think like fighter pilots:

Author

Roger Thompson
March 24, 2024

The Effective Leader has over 600,000+ views on LinkedIn

I wanted to share that thanks to all of you, one of my 1-page posts went semi-viral on LinkedIn, so I decided to make an easier-to-read version with updated leadership statistics.

Improved Post

Original Post

Back to the OODA Loop Strategy

Introduction

“To be somebody or to do something. In life there is often a roll call. That’s when you will have to make a decision. To be or to do? Which way will you go?”

— John Boyd

John Boyd was a legendary figure in the United States Air Force. Many call him the greatest fighter pilot in American history.

Known as "Forty-Second Boyd" for his ability to defeat any adversary in simulated combat within 40 seconds, Boyd's contributions to air combat and military theory are monumental.

His experience as a fighter pilot and strategist, including significant roles during the Vietnam War, laid the groundwork for his development of the OODA Loop.

It's a concept that has gone beyond the military to influence business, litigation, and personal decisions.

The OODA loop, which stands for:

  • Observe

  • Orient

  • Decide

  • Act

Encapsulates a process of rapid information processing and response, allowing individuals or organizations to act more quickly and effectively than adversaries.

Originally, the OODA loop was used in military strategy to outmaneuver opponents by cycling through the loop faster than them, thereby creating confusion and reducing their ability to respond effectively.

Credit: Life Leadership

Essentially, it’s pattern recognition and problem solving.

We all use it subconsciously.

But it becomes particularly effective when practiced consciously in low stress environments.

So that when a high stress situation inevitably comes along - you’re primed to outmaneuver it.

With that in mind, let’s cover how you can do exactly that.

You’ll make better executive decisions and tackle overthinking (at work and at home).

Note: I have implemented the concept of ‘constrained choice’ within the OODA Loop to reinforce it’s effectiveness in helping you reduce decision fatigue and dissatisfaction.

Step 1: Observe

Identify Overthinking

  • Focus on recurring decision points that cause overthinking.

  • It could be project priorities, financial investments, or family activities.

Pre-select Options

  • Define three viable options for each decision area.

  • These choices should be distinct but not overwhelming.

  • For project priorities, consider tasks based on deadline urgency, client importance, or revenue potential.

Step 2: Orient

Gather Data

  • Collect relevant information for each option.

  • Consider financial forecasts, team feedback, or family preferences.

Assess the Impact

  • Focus on outcomes like ROI, team morale, and family satisfaction.

Step 3: Decide

Apply Comparative Analysis

  • Compare options using relevant criteria.

  • Consider cost-benefit analysis, risk assessment, or emotional factors.

Choose Boldly

  • Make a confident decision based on the comparison.

  • The three-option limit helps in making a clear choice.

Step 4: Act

Implement Decisively

  • Act on your decision promptly.

  • Avoid second-guessing.

Review Outcomes

  • Evaluate the results.

  • Consider if limiting options led to a good outcome.

  • This reflection improves your decision-making process for future choices.

Further Learning

For further learning into John Boyd, the OODA loop and strategic thinking, consider exploring these resources:

Books (via Amazon)

  • Offers insights into Boyd's strategic thinking and the development of the OODA loop.

  • Applies Boyd’s concepts to business and organizational success.

Articles

While researching, I came across some brilliant overviews of John Boyd’s military career and achievements - check them out below:

The UnThinkable (in case you missed it)

  • 2 mental models for a calmer, stronger you

Concluding Thoughts

While writing this weeks newsletter, I couldn’t help but reflect on a time I used the OODA Loop (all be it subconsciously).

I was looking to buy a real estate investment property.

It was a blind bidding process and there were multiple problems with the property, so concessions were being made all over the place.

We didn’t know what the other potential buyers were bidding or conceding. It was a fluid situation.

So I:

  • Observed

  • Oriented (a property with potential but packed with problems)

  • Decided (I had to think fast)

  • Acted (and act faster)

My move?

I constrained my choices, cut through the indecision, and played my ace:

An all-cash offer, promising a 14-day close.

Unconventional? Absolutely.

But it was my way to outmaneuver my competitors.

So, If you have trouble overthinking or being indecisive, give the OODA Loop + Constrained Choices a go.

If it helps you out, I'd be thrilled to know how it goes.

The easiest way to let me know is to write about it on LinkedIn and tag me @rogermarkthompson.

Can't wait to hear from you!

Until next time,

Founder of The UnThinkable

P.S.

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P.P.S.

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