Succeeding on Complex Projects: OODA
Learn how projects in the Complex domain can be dealt with by OODA.
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A useful model for dealing with Complex projects is OODA. As shown in the illustration below, “OODA” stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act and is normally described as the “OODA loop.”
The OODA loop
OODA originated out of US Air Force Colonel John Boyd’s frustration with US Air Force dogfighting results. He invented the OODA loop as a way to accelerate decision making, make decisions faster than the enemy, and invalidate the enemy’s decision making. OODA is a methodical approach to establishing context, formulating a plan, performing work, observing results, and incorporating learnings into the next cycle.
Observe
The OODA loop begins with “Observe.” Observe the current situation, observe outside information that’s relevant, observe any aspects of the situation that are unfolding (emergent), and observe how the unfolding aspects of the situation interact with the environment. Because OODA places a strong emphasis on observation, you can view OODA as an empirical approach—an approach that focuses on observation and experience.