Six Principles Sun Tzu (The Art of War) & The Art of Business

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History of “The Art of War”

The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the 5^th century BC by strategist Sun Tzu, Master Sun. the Art of War has been applied to many fields outside of the military. Much of the text is about on how to fight wars without actually having battle. It gives tips on how to outsmart one’s opponent so that physical battle is not necessary. There are business book applying its lesson to office politics and corporate strategy. Many Japanese companies make the book required for their key executives. The book also popular among Western business management, who have turned to it for inspiration and advice on how to succeed in competitive business situations.

In the book, there are many quotes that can give inspire to businessman:

1.    “Generally in war, the best policy is to take a state intact; to ruin it is inferior to this….For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.”  Sun Tzu

(It means capture your market without destroy it. A company can do  several ways, like attacking parts of the market that are under-served or by using subtle, indirect, and low key approach that will not draw a competitor’s attention or response.)

2.    “An army may be likened to water, for just as flowing water avoids the heights and hastens to the lowlands, so an army avoids strength and strikes weakness.”  Sun Tzu    

( It means avoid competitor’s strength, and attack their weakness. A company should focus on the competitor’s weakness, which maximize your gains while minimizing the use of resources and it can increase the profits.)

3.    “Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in peril” Sun Tzu 

(Use knowledge to maximize the power of business intelligence. In order to exploit your competitor’s weakness, it require of understanding of their executives’ strategy, capabilities as well as similar depth of knowledge of your own strength and weakness. It also important to understand the overall competitive and industry trends occurring around you.)

4.    “To rely on rustics and not prepare is the greatest of crimes; to be prepared beforehand for any contingency is the greatest of virtues.” Sun Tzu                

(Reduce the time when making decision, develop products and service customer but do not in hastily, it requires preparation. Think through and understand potential competitive reactions to your attacks.)

5.    “Therefore, those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle and are not brought there by him.” Sun Tzu

(It means shaping your opponents by changing the rule of contest and making competition conforms to your desires and your actions. It also means taking control of the situation away from your competitors and put it in your hands.)

6.    “When one treats people with benevolence, justice and righteousness, and reposes confidence in them, the army will be united in mind and all will be happy to serve their leaders.” Sun Tzu

(It means develop your character as a leader to maximize the potential of your employees.)