First of all... a GM automatically and unconsciously references the current position with many thousands of positions (some estimate as much as 100,000) and makes an assessment (who is better, what are the key features, what are the usual plans, etc). Then they make relevant calculations based on that reference, referencing each new calculated position unconsciously and automatically as they go.
The stuff about what's the drawback and flow charts try to help newer players understand some basic ideas.
How should newer players structure their thought process? Imagine your intended move as if it's played, and check 100% of your opponent's moves that are either a check or capture. Also check basic 1 move threats like forks or skewers that are possible. If you still like your candidate move then you can play it.
It sounds simple but it takes work before it's done automatically. Dan Heisman says if you check less than 100% of these moves you're playing what he calls hope chess. I believe he estimated that every player below 1600 USCF still has hope chess moves sneaking into their games at least once a game.
I was wondering about the various systematic approaches that people have before deciding on a move. For example, Maurice Ashley says to always look at your opponent's last move and ask "What was the drawback of that move?", he calls it "drawback chess". I also recall someone posting a diagram that I believe (though I'm not sure) was from Igor Smirnov's GM's Secrets that shows all the steps he uses in a flow chart.
I was just wondering about all the systems people have for this.