The Art of War written by Sun Tzu, a wise Chinese military strategist

1. THE ART OF WAR

2. 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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. THE ART OF WAR
 Chapter 1 – Estimates
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

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

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

10. THE ART OF WAR
Chapter 7 – Maneuver
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."

11. THE ART OF WAR
Chapter 9 – Marches
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

12. 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

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

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

15. 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

16. Quiz

17. #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.

18. #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.

19. #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.

20. #4
A weaker army can defeat a stronger
army through:
a. Formlessness and speed.
b. Strong defense.
c. Strong offense.

21. #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.

22. #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

23. #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

24. #8
You can beat a more intelligent enemy
by:
a. Changing your strategy.
b. Sheer force of rapidity
c. Prolonging the battle.

25. #9
If you are unpredictable, you are most
likely to:
a. Succeed.
a. Fail.
c. Retreat.

26. #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.

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