I hope that more people these days are beginning to learn about John Boyd and his interpreters. If so, it will be good for the USA and good for business.

Boyd was a USAF colonel who created the mathematical theory of energy maneuverability, and a seminal influence on the designs of the F-15, F-16, and F-18/A fighter aircraft.

After his retirement, he reflected deeply on war and human action, drawing from influences as diverse as Sun Tzu and Carl von Clausewitz and devised the OODA loop (Observe-Orient-Decide-Act) as a thinking tool for understanding strategy. His work was a key influence in the creation of Marine Corps Doctrinal Publication 1, Warfighting.

His students and successors have elaborated and applied his ideas to a variety of contexts, including to business. The value of quick thinking and flexible organization to business are discussed at considerable length in Chet Richards’ book Certain to Win

Richards has a presentation of these ideas available on his website. It’s worth viewing.