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Efficient Thought: The Superior Decision Loop

We can pull together the principal functions of efficient thinking into eight steps, each supported by a world model that represents our best understanding of how things work. The following figure illustrates these components.

Efficient thought employs eight key functions supported by a world model.

Text Box: Figure 2. Efficient thought employs eight key functions supported by a world model. The eight steps are numbered in a typical sequence, though in most complex organizations all eight steps operate in parallel. The intelligent being (1) observes what’s happening in the environment, (2) assesses the situation for significant threats and opportunities, (3) determines what changes would be desirable, (4) generates candidate plans for making those changes, (5) projects the likely outcomes of those plans, (6) selects the best plan, and (7) communicates that plans to key parties and implements it. Throughout, the intelligent being (8) validates and improves its model. The model supports all eight activities, although only steps 1, 2, 7 and 8 directly update and modify the model.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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