Beobachtungen werden laufend mit Kontext und möglichem Gegenwind abgeglichen, bevor die nächste Aktion gewählt wird. Der kurze Zyklus erzeugt einen Lernrhythmus, der Anpassung in unsicheren oder wettbewerbsintensiven Lagen beschleunigt. Entscheidend ist die Geschwindigkeit des Nachjustierens.

1. 1

   Observe

   Source-bound situation picture

   

   Goal

   Source-bound situation picture: Collect raw signals from the system, environment, and unfolding interaction with source and timestamp; separate observation from interpretation.

   Inputs for this step

   • Set one time-sensitive decision with an observation window, room to act, and guardrails.
   • Decision horizon, signal sources, assumption log, action options, effect signals, and timestamps

   Actions

   • Collect raw signals from the system, environment, and unfolding interaction with source and timestamp; separate observation from interpretation.

   Output

   Source-bound situation picture

   Collect raw signals from the system, environment, and unfolding interaction with source and timestamp; separate observation from interpretation.

   Quality check

   Are signal, source, time, and uncertainty visible without already claiming a cause?

   Pitfall

   The situation picture says the warehouse is overloaded but contains no measurable signals. Split claims into observed values, source, timestamp, and open uncertainty.

   Timing: 10–20 minutes

2. 2

   Orient

   Orientation with alternatives

   

   Goal

   Orientation with alternatives: Connect signals to the goal, capacity, experience, new information, and assumptions; test at least one alternative interpretation.

   Inputs for this step

   • Source-bound situation picture

   Actions

   • Connect signals to the goal, capacity, experience, new information, and assumptions; test at least one alternative interpretation.

   Output

   Orientation with alternatives

   Connect signals to the goal, capacity, experience, new information, and assumptions; test at least one alternative interpretation.

   Quality check

   Are context, assumptions, and at least two plausible interpretations separated?

   Pitfall

   The first familiar explanation is treated as fact. Expose formative experience and assumptions, then formulate a competing interpretation.

   Timing: 15–25 minutes

3. 3

   Decide

   Decision hypothesis

   

   Goal

   Decision hypothesis: Choose one option as a testable hypothesis; record expected effect, guardrail, owner, and review time.

   Inputs for this step

   • Orientation with alternatives

   Actions

   • Choose one option as a testable hypothesis; record expected effect, guardrail, owner, and review time.

   Output

   Decision hypothesis

   Choose one option as a testable hypothesis; record expected effect, guardrail, owner, and review time.

   Quality check

   Does the decision state action, expected signal, guardrail, and review time?

   Pitfall

   The decision only says optimise slots and omits effect and boundary. Add one concrete change, measure, stop rule, owner, and date.

   Timing: 10–15 minutes

4. 4

   Act

   Executed test

   

   Goal

   Executed test: Execute the chosen action within scope and log deviations, side effects, and new signals.

   Inputs for this step

   • Decision hypothesis

   Actions

   • Execute the chosen action within scope and log deviations, side effects, and new signals.

   Output

   Executed test

   Execute the chosen action within scope and log deviations, side effects, and new signals.

   Quality check

   Does execution match the decision, with deviations and timestamps recorded?

   Pitfall

   Additional variables change during execution without being logged. Preserve the original decision and stop or explicitly record extra changes and their effect.

   Timing: One or two operating cycles

5. 5

   Feed back

   Next OODA cycle

   

   Goal

   Next OODA cycle: Compare effect and guardrails with the hypothesis; feed surprises into the next cycle as new observations.

   Inputs for this step

   • Executed test

   Actions

   • Compare effect and guardrails with the hypothesis; feed surprises into the next cycle as new observations.

   Output

   Next OODA cycle

   Compare effect and guardrails with the hypothesis; feed surprises into the next cycle as new observations.

   Quality check

   Are result, deviation, and open signals fed back into Observe?

   Pitfall

   The action is closed as a success although a relevant signal is unchanged. Check all signals and phrase the main residual uncertainty as the next observation.

   Timing: 15–20 minutes