THE ART OF WAR

THE ART OF WAR A collection of precise instructions for military leaders on how to conduct war Written in China between 450 – 300 BC Influenced military and political leaders Sun Tzus The Art Of War History Channel (Part 1) - YouTube

THE ART OF WAR Warring tribes created turbulent times in China (approx 450 BC) Each tribal ruler had the ambition to maintain and expand their area Recruiting and training uneducated peasants

THE ART OF WAR Organizing and directing an army were important tasks Supplying Transporting Coordinating Porters Cooks Map makers Families Weather Terrain

THE ART OF WAR Rulers enlisted military scholars to offer advice Sun Tzu composed the art of war for Ho-Lu who was one of the more powerful tribal Kings

THE ART OF WAR The Art of War is 13 chapters with several strategic statements Sun Tzu has a strong belief in the autonomy of the sovereign The doctrine is a complex theory of the use of power in organizations

THE ART OF WAR Chapter 1 – Estimates Chapter 2 – Waging War The fundamental factors and elements of managing an army and waging war Chapter 2 – Waging War Logistical considerations of war Cites motivation of troops running low on provisions

THE ART OF WAR Chapter 3 – Offensive Strategy Chapter 4 – Dispositions General offensive strategy but emphasizes winning without battle Chapter 4 – Dispositions The value of strategic planning

THE ART OF WAR Chapter 5 – Energy Chapter 6 – Weaknesses and Strengths Organization and control of resources Chapter 6 – Weaknesses and Strengths How to attack the enemy and the importance of examining the situation

THE ART OF WAR Chapter 7 – Maneuver Chapter 8 – The nine variables Logistical methods of employing troops Chapter 8 – The nine variables Different battlefield locations and the 5 key character faults of an effective leader recklessness, which leads to destruction; and cowardice, which leads to capture. delicacy of honor, which is sensitive to shame; and a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults. over solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble, for in the long run the troops will suffer more from the defeat, prolongation of the war, which will be the consequence."

THE ART OF WAR Chapter 9 – Marches Chapter 10 – Terrain How to march and determine the strengths and weaknesses of an army based on their marches Chapter 10 – Terrain Considerations related to terrain and topics about troops

THE ART OF WAR Chapter 11 – The Nine Varieties of Ground Discusses ground types and then principles of human nature like rewards and punishments Chapter 12 – Attack by Fire Considerations related to the use of fire in attack and some EQ considerations

THE ART OF WAR Chapter 13 – Employment of Secret Agents The use of industrial spies in warfare

Questions to Ponder Does Sun Tzu’s strategies: Target all levels of leadership (Organizational, Work Group, Individual)? Utilize deceptive and/or coercive manipulation? Have a moral foundation which consists of some or all of the four cornerstones (Truth Telling, Promise Keeping, Fairness, and Respect)? Demonstrate Control and/or Choice Theory?

Conclusions What can the Art of War teach us about Leadership in Organizations? Some ideologies can stand the test of time, even as societies and businesses evolve Planning, organizing, considering the elements and smart decision making will result in success Moral influence from leaders will result in deep loyalty and commitment from those that they lead

Quiz

#1 The very first thing you must do before you go into battle is: a. Analyze your enemy. b. Count the costs of going to war. c. Surprise the enemy.

#2 If you have to go to war, the aim is to: a. Win quickly and with minimal loss. b. Win at any cost. c. Win quickly at any cost.

#3 Going to war without strategy: a. Makes success a mere gamble. b. Can only be compensated for with smart tactics c. Invokes the best in us.

#4 A weaker army can defeat a stronger army through: a. Formlessness and speed. b. Strong defense. c. Strong offense.

#5 A superior number of soldiers does not always equal a greater advantage because: a. How fast you move best determines advantage. b. How well you defend best determines advantage. c. How you utilize your resources best determines advantage.

#6 You can beat a much stronger enemy by: a. Focusing your weakness against the enemy’s weakness. b. Focusing your strength against the enemy’s weakness. c. Focusing your strength against the enemy’s strength

#7 If you’re in battle and you become aware that you cannot win, you should: a. Withdraw immediately b. Divide your army. c. Continue to battle

#8 You can beat a more intelligent enemy by: a. Changing your strategy. b. Sheer force of rapidity c. Prolonging the battle.

#9 If you are unpredictable, you are most likely to: a. Succeed. a. Fail. c. Retreat.

#10 The height of wisdom for a general is to: a. Win as quickly as possible. b. Win at any price. c. Win without a battle.

Answers 1. b 8. b 2. a 9. a 3. a 10. c 4. a 5. c 6. b 7. a