Sun Tzu & Sun Pin’s Art of War culminates into a masterpiece of Chinese military strategy and tactics.
This short article describes five generalship quality principles which are adapted for business
leaders. This is not an exhaustive treatment of this important topic, this is merely an introduction.
Art of War was written over 2500 years ago during a period of intense military and diplomatic rivalry
among the various warring states of the late Chou period. Sun Pin was an advisor and possibly a
military commander as well (he writings came after Sun Tzu’s). There are many important topics
covered in Art of War which are relevant to competitive business leadership. Below are five qualities
of victorious generals in an ever-changing battlefield. These qualities of generalship as adapted to
today’s business leaders indicate that these leaders must possess:
- The confidence of the CEO
- The ability to coordinate various tactical groups
- The ability to capture the hearts of their employees
- The ability to hold the hearts of their employees
- The ability to know their competition
As in battle, free market competition necessitates that business leaders (i.e. generals) be aligned with
the CEO’s (i.e. Ruler’s) vision. Communication of clear expectations is crucial in an ever-changing
battlefield. The confidence placed in these business leaders is earned based upon proven
results. That is, the ability to meet objectives, win the battle; even if the competitive landscape
changes, they prevail. Victorious generals prevail via their tactical leadership, ability to lead others,
and the ability to anticipate the moves of their opponents.
Today’s business leaders can significantly improve the probability of on-going success with their
ability to inspire and motivate employees, the ability to provide clear objectives, planning and
resources to accomplish, and to understand and exploit the strengths and weaknesses of competition.
Many business leaders, senior and mid-level, lack the respect of their people. If they are unable to
capture and hold the hearts of their troops, how can any offensive initiative prevail? Over 2500 years
ago, Sun Pin observed the qualities of effective leadership. You can learn to improve your effective
leadership skills by adopting and practicing the generalship qualities outlined in the Art of War.
There are many examples of military and business success and failures which can be easily
explained by the principles outlined in the Art of War. History can be a valuable guide, especially for
the inexperienced. It is recommended that all US business leaders take a lesson form Sun Tzu & Sun
Pin.
"Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril. When you are
ignorant of the enemy, but know yourself, your chances of winning or losing are equal. If ignorant both
of your enemy and yourself, you are certain in every battle to be in peril.”
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