📄 11 — OODA Loop

Definition

A rapid decision cycle: Observe → Orient → Decide → Act.

When to Use

• Fast‑changing environments • Real‑time decisions • Competitive or adversarial situations • Situations requiring rapid iteration

How It Improves Reasoning

It shortens reaction time and improves adaptability by continuously updating your mental model.

Steps

  1. Observe: Gather data.
  2. Orient: Interpret the data using context.
  3. Decide: Choose the best action.
  4. Act: Execute and feed results back into the loop.

Example

A company adjusting pricing in response to competitor moves.

Prompts

• “Run an OODA loop on this scenario.” • “Identify where this decision cycle is slow or stuck.”