The art of war

Sun Tzu’s seminal work “The Art of War” has been referenced for millennia by historians,
military tacticians, and world leaders. In fact, the book is still recommended reading for the US
Marine Corps. With such timeless advice, I found myself asking one simple question: How can
we apply Sun Tzu’s principles of warfare to our modern goals for productivity?

1. Personal Accountability

Sun Tzu said: “If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly
understood, then the general is to blame.”

The Bottom Line: If you communicate ineffectively, then any problems caused by unclear
communication are your fault. Make sure that every email and conversation you have is clear and
distinct.

The important corollary to this aphorism is important to keep in mind as well: “But if his orders
ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.” If other
people are hampering your productivity, take decisive action.

2. Keeping Your Cool

Sun Tzu said: “Disciplined and calm, to await the appearance of disorder and hubbub amongst
the enemy:–this is the art of retaining self-possession.”

The Bottom Line: The fastest way to lose productivity is to lose your cool. Take a deep breath,
and think before acting rashly. If you can keep your wits about you in the midst of a crisis, it will
serve you well.

An important quote that relates to this concept is: “Do not swallow bait offered by the enemy. Do
not interfere with an army that is returning home.” Staying productive and staying professional
are one in the same. Never lose your cool with co-workers or bosses. At least, not where it can
get back to them.

3. Be Prepared

Sun Tzu said: “The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not
coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but
rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.”

The Bottom Line: Do everything in your power to be prepared, because it’s only a matter of
time until something goes wrong. If you have daily deadlines, work two days ahead to give
yourself a buffer. Take initiative to track trends in your division, so that when your boss asks you
to compile a report, the work is already done. Think of all the possible complications that you
might have to contend with, and work out a plan to be ready for when the inevitable happens.
4. Do Work to Get Work

Sun Tzu said: “Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”

The Bottom Line: The boss needs volunteers to stay late and work on a project? Do it. Your
company needs a speaker to represent them at a conference? Do it. The more experience you
gain, the better your resume will look, and the higher the quality of your contacts will be. Just be
careful of spreading yourself too thin.

5. Grow Your Social Network

Sun Tzu said: “Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat. Strategy without tactics is the
slowest route to victory.”

The Bottom Line: Stay in touch with former co-workers, colleagues, and yes, even bosses. You
never know when a former business contact may recommend you for a new position. But it’s not
enough to just stay in touch. You need to have a plan for how you can leverage your connections.

Note: This quote, while attributed to Sun Tzu, is likely apocryphal. Nonetheless, it is good
advice.

6. Be Selfless

Sun Tzu said: “The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing
disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is
the jewel of the kingdom.”

The Bottom Line: No one likes a manipulative ladder-climber. Just do what is best for the
company, and ultimately, you’ll be doing what’s best for you, too. Stay humble, even after
winning awards and accolades, and you’ll make more friends (read: allies.)

7. Play to Your Strengths

Sun Tzu said: “It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be
imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will
win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in
every single battle.”

The Bottom Line: If you always play to your personal strengths, and understand any potential
problems that could cause a decline in your productivity, you will always be successful in your
industry. Stay abreast of industry trends, and always keep honing your skill set.

Conclusion
Sun Tzu may have been the master of wartime strategies, but his advice still resonates with us
today because it can be so readily applied to politics, business, and our personal lives. Follow his
precepts, and everything will go your way.