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Certain to Win
188 pages, 2004
Boyd did pursue a business degree. He read everything he could get his hands on about the Toyota Production System, which he came to see as a realization of ideas similar to his own. The OODA Loop was the centerpiece of Boyd's briefing on science and technology, and he discussed it in his most recent work, Conceptual Spiral.
Boyd made revisions and comments as this manuscript was being written but others took up the challenge of linking Boyd's ideas to business and proposing applications. In Fast Company Keith Hammonds described how competitors can't keep up with one who uses the OODA Loop well, while George Stalk and Tom Hout explained that one should focus on customers rather than competitors.
And Tom Peters most recently wrote, in Re-Imagine! that successful businesses focused on the customer rather than the competition.
In Certain to Win, Chet Richards introduces us to the OODA Loop - Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. This is a decision-making process that can be applied to any situation, from business to personal life. It's all about observing the situation, orienting yourself, making a decision, and then acting on it. It's a simple yet powerful concept that can help you make better decisions.
One of the key points in Certain to Win is the importance of speed. Richards emphasizes that in business, just like in warfare, speed is often the deciding factor between success and failure. So, don't hesitate to take action when you see an opportunity. The faster you act, the better your chances of success.
Change is inevitable, and Richards teaches us how to adapt to it. He explains that the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial for success. So, don't be afraid of change. Instead, embrace it and use it to your advantage.
In Certain to Win, you'll find that teamwork is a recurring theme. Richards believes that a well-coordinated team can achieve much more than individuals working alone. So, if you want to win, make sure you have a strong team behind you.
Failure is not the end, but a learning opportunity. This is another key takeaway from Certain to Win. Richards encourages us to learn from our failures and use them as stepping stones towards success. So, don't be discouraged by failure. Instead, see it as a chance to grow and improve.
Quotes 5
Certain to Win is the strategy manual that should have been available when I was still in uniform.
Certain to Win is a must-read for those who want to understand the true essence of strategy.
Certain to Win is the first book to transpose Boyd's action-oriented concept into the business world.
Certain to Win is a book that provides a deep understanding of the application of Boyd's principles.
Certain to Win is a book that successfully applies Boyd's theories in a business context.
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