When to use it
Use it in fast-moving situations such as incidents, competitive moves or crises where waiting for perfect information is costly.
How to apply it
- Observe by gathering current, raw information about what is actually happening.
- Orient by interpreting it against your experience, context and assumptions.
- Decide on the best available course of action.
- Act quickly, then immediately observe the results.
- Repeat the loop, shortening each cycle as you learn.
Tip: Boyd considered Orient the most important stage, so challenge your assumptions there rather than rushing to act.