THE ART OF WAR

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THE ART OF WAR

• A LESSON IN LEVEL III LEADERSHIP

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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

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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

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THE ART OF WAR

• Organizing and directing an army were important
  tasks
• Supplying
• Transporting
• Coordinating
• Porters
• Cooks
• Map makers
• Families
• Weather
• Terrain

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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

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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

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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

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THE ART OF WAR

• Chapter 3 Offensive Strategy
• General offensive strategy but emphasizes winning
  without battle
• Chapter 4 Dispositions
• The value of strategic planning

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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

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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

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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

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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

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THE ART OF WAR

• Chapter 13 Employment of Secret Agents
• The use of industrial spies in warfare

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Questions to Ponder

• Does Sun Tzus strategies
• Display Level III Leadership?
• 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?

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Yes - Level III Leadership

• The Context of War
• Moral Influence
• Harmony
• Commanding by Understanding VABEs

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No - Level III Leadership

• Group versus Individual
• Manipulation
• Violations of Four Cornerstones
• No Acknowledgement of Troops VABEs

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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