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The book, The Art of War, has been widely read by those in the military, in academia, and by leaders in many other professions. Its author, Sun Tzu, is credited with great wisdom as it relates to the art of waging and winning war. Some writers believe that the truths contained within The Art of War are equally applicable to victory in all kinds of conflicts, whether these conflicts be in a business setting, the boardroom, in arguments between men and women, and in our day to day fight for survival.

Little is known of Sun Tzu himself, or of exactly when he wrote the 13 chapters that make up The Art of War. Some believe the chapters were written approximately 500 B.C. in the Kingdom of Wu, while others believe Sun Tzu wrote the chapters in and around 300 B.C. Many of his writings are still very applicable today:

"Supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting."

"If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles."

Wonder curiously with me over the next few months, if you will, through the pages of this incredible book and lets discover what applications Sun Tzu's message has to leadership. Feel free to let me know what you think about each article, including this one.

Sincerely,

Donna Taylor-Williams
Human Capital Developers

Our Quest: Getting Started

Many stories exist about Sun Tzu and his wisdom. About 100 B.C. one of his chroniclers, Su-ma Ch'ien, gives this biography:

Ho Lu, the King of Wu, after being introduced to The Art of War, asked Sun Tzu if his theory of managing soldiers might be put to a slight test. Sun Tzu replied, "You may." The king then asked if the theory could be applied to women, to which Sun Tzu again responded, "Yes." The king arranged for 180 ladies to be brought from the palace and placed under the supervision of Sun Tzu. Sun Tzu divided them into two companies and placed one of the king's favorite concubines at the head of each company. After making them all take spears in their hands he then addressed them: "I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?" They all replied, "Yes."

Sun Tzu went on to explain that when he said "eyes front," they must look straight ahead. When he said "left turn," they must face toward their left hand. When he said "right turn," they must face toward their right hand. And last, when he said "about turn," they must face right around toward the back." Again the ladies acknowledged their understanding.

Since the words of command had been explained, Sun Tzu set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. As the drums sounded he gave the order, "right turn." The ladies only burst out laughing.

Sun Tzu patiently said, "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame." He then went through the commands again, drilling the ladies until he was certain they understood the meaning of each. This time he gave the order, "right turn," and again the ladies burst out laughing.

Very patiently Sun Tzu said, "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers." After saying this, he ordered that the leaders of the two companies be beheaded.

The King of Wu had been watching the proceedings and became greatly concerned upon realizing that his two favorite concubines were about to be executed. He hurriedly sent word to Sun Tzu telling him not to execute the two. His concern was that if these two concubines were killed, that the king's meat and drink would lose their savor.

To the king's message Sun Tzu replied even more patiently: "Having once received His Majesty's commission to be general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept." He then immediately had the two leaders beheaded and quickly installed the pair next in line as leaders in their place. This time when the drum sounded and the commands were given, the ladies went through every evolution, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling about, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, without uttering a sound.

After completing the drill, Sun Tzu sent a message to the king saying: "Your soldiers, sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined and ready for Your Majesty's inspection. They can be put to any use their sovereign may desire. Bid them go through fire and water and they will not now disobey."

After that, the King of Wu appointed Sun Tzu general and for almost two decades the armies of Wu were victorious in battle. Sun Tzu later died and the King of Wu was killed in battle. For a few years his descendants followed the percepts of Sun Tzu and continued to be victorious. And then they forgot. In 473 B.C. the armies of Wu were defeated and the kingdom was made extinct.

On Leadership: The Application

Know the strengths and limitations of those who report to you and then provide the appropriate training and support they need to do their jobs well.
When giving instructions or providing information, be clear and distinct to ensure that your message is correctly understood. Avoid frustration and misunderstandings by communicating in a manner and language that your followers understand. Check their understanding by asking questions and really listening to their answers. Have listeners paraphrase your instructions. Paraphrasing allows you to gain insight into what listeners think you said.
Of course, in today's work environment we cannot execute or behead employees who fail to perform -- as much as we might want to. However, employees must be held accountable. Be sure to understand the disciplinary policies and procedures established by your organization and don't be afraid to invoke these measures when necessary. Treat employees fairly but insist that each one carry his or her share of the workload and if one does not, follow through with disciplinary actions in accordance with established protocol.
The Golden Rule advises us to do unto others as we want them to do unto us. But the Platinum Rule suggests that we do unto others as they want to be done unto. This means knowing the personalities and work styles and habits of those under your immediate command and treat them in accordance with their needs. For example, you may have one employee who requires constant nudging in order to ensure that critical deadlines are met, while another employee is fully capable of taking direction and following through with very little oversight. To be most effective and to improve employee productivity, learn your employees' work styles and habits and treat them accordingly.

Look for the next article: "The Art of War" - Laying Plans

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At Human Capital Developers, our focus is on developing the leadership skills of individuals in organization and communities. We believe that the human element in any organization is the most important. "Capital" is an asset that can be utilized in the production of more wealth. By investing in and developing the "human capital," productivity increases and organizations become stronger and more effective.

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