They say success is one inspiration and 99% perspiration. And I think that's broadly true for change management. This success comes from perseverance and the best model I've ever come across that encapsulates what that perseverance is all about what that perspiration is all about, is the model of the ooda loop, developed by Colonel john Boyd. And the ooda loop is a cycle that you need to be going through constantly through the whole of your change program. You'll be going through it through the unfreezing stage through the transition state and through the freezing state. So what is the ooda loop?
Well, it starts with observing what's going on around you. Understanding the situation sticking your head above the parapet and seeing how stakeholders respond to And then orientation, comparing what you've observed, with your plans, your expectations, trying to figure out what you've observed, and what does it mean. And as a result of the orientation stage, you need to make decisions about what to do next. And having made a decision, you need to act on that decision in order to bring about more change, and having taken action need to observe the impact of that action. And then orient yourself to that to figure out what that observation is telling you before making the next decision and taking more action. The ooda loop is a continuous cycle.
And what john Boyd said about the ooda loop is that if you go around the ooda loop fast enough, then everything else will seem to happen in slow motion. But if you go around the ooda loop too slowly, then events will take control. So the ooda loop is a cycle that is very closely related to the monitoring Control cycle, the plan do review cycle. It's about observing what goes on figuring out what it means making a decision taking action. And if you do that constantly, and if you do that frequently enough, then you will feel in control of the Change program. That's not to say there won't be setbacks.
But what it means is you'll observe the setbacks. Early on, you'll figure out what they mean. you'll decide what to do about it, and you'll try something that will address them. But if it doesn't address them fully, you'll figure that out pretty soon because you'll observe quickly orient again and make a new decision. And that constant cycle of spotting what's going on and making corrections is what gives you control. I can't think of a more exciting and stimulating role for anyone in organizational life.
Change Management is demanding, but it's fun. And I hope you've learned a lot About how to make yourself a successful Trade Manager. So all that remains is for me to wish you well, with leading and managing change. Thank you for listening