Sun Tzu Art of War - Some lessons on Leadership

Anyone of you ever read the book on Sun Tzu – Art of War? And for those who had read it, do you really understand the content?

I read the English translated version and really, I found it overall a challenge to understand the full content. In total, the book describes the various strategies, tactics and conduct of battle and warfare. However, many of these can be applicable in management of business and leadership.

I picked three lessons in Leadership to be shared here.

1.       On people development and discipline.

”When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers are too weak, the result is Insubordination”.

Management  must ensure senior executives (team leaders) are really knowledgeable and equipped with the skills to lead their teams. If their team members realize their leaders are lacking the skills and knowledge necessary for the job, they will play tricks and run around their team leaders and jobs will not get done properly.

“When officers are too strong and the common soldiers are too week, the result is Collapse”.

Training must be available to all levels of employee, not just to the executives.  Everyone in the organization must be trained and knowledgeable to handle the tasks and know what objectives to achieve.

2.       Providing clear instructions, procedures and objectives.

 "When the general is weak and without authority, when his orders are not clear and distinct". This means, managers and leaders must communicate clear instructions and what are the expected results to their team. Guide and coach them where needed to achieve the objective.  Make the team feel that they have the same stake in achieving these objectives.

3.       Genuine concern and care for employee’s welfare.

“Regard your soldiers as your children, they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, they will stand by you even unto death”.

In other words, employees do not care how much you know until you show how much you care.  If they lack a certain knowledge essential for the job, train them. If they do not know how to do a certain task, guide them. If they lack the tools necessary for the job, provide them.  Provide the necessary healthcare so that employees are fit and healthy to work. When employees know they are being taken care of, they will take care of their work and their objectives.

There are many more lessons that can be learnt from Sun Tzu’s book but these three are the ones that I picked to share with you for now,

Go on, get a copy to read or you can also access the main excerpts in the internet.