Thinking Fast Under Pressure
Mastering the Decision-Making Method I Learned Protecting Prince
Long before I knew the term "OODA loop," I found myself instinctively applying its principles. It happened one tense night at a popular nightclub in Los Angeles, where I was working security for Prince. A sudden fight erupted, and chaos ensued as someone began firing shots into the crowd. Without consciously knowing it at the time, I quickly navigated the situation using a structured decision-making approach I later learned was called the OODA loop.
Developed by U.S. Air Force Colonel and military strategist John Boyd, the OODA loop stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act. It's a dynamic decision-making framework intended for rapidly changing, high-stress situations.
The first stage, Observe, involves gathering critical information swiftly. You rely on sensory input, communication, and situational awareness to quickly assess what's happening around you.
Next comes Orient, which means processing and understanding the information you've collected. It involves interpreting events through your own experiences, knowledge, and situational context to identify patterns, risks, or opportunities.
Once oriented, the next step is to Decide. Based on your understanding of the situation, you select the most effective course of action. This decision requires clarity about your objectives, available resources, and any immediate limitations.
Finally, the Act step involves executing your decision decisively. The key here is rapid implementation, ensuring you're addressing the immediate threat or opportunity. However, the process doesn't stop after action; it immediately cycles back to observation, enabling continuous adjustment as the situation evolves.
The faster you cycle through the OODA loop, the greater your advantage. Rapid decision-making loops allow you to respond more quickly and effectively to sudden changes, helping you stay ahead of chaos.
Originally developed for military purposes, the OODA loop has now been adopted widely in various fields, from high-frequency trading and crisis management to sports and law enforcement. Importantly, it's a practical tool anyone can use to enhance their decision-making abilities in daily life, whether handling a work crisis, dealing with emergencies, or navigating personal challenges.
Thinking back to that intense night in Los Angeles, I fully appreciate how powerful the OODA loop is—not just for security professionals or military personnel, but for everyday citizens seeking to manage unpredictable situations confidently and effectively.
For more behind-the-scenes stories and practical insights, check out my upcoming book, Protecting the Prince: Keeping the Purple Reign Safe, coming out in the fall of 2025. Follow my Substack newsletter for updates and more articles like this—the link is in the picture.