Comments on Sun Tzu’s The
Art of War, edited by Dick Cooledge, Comptche Press, 1927.
Sun Tzu: “Leadership
requires insight and intelligence, but also trustworthiness, and humaneness.
These qualities must be paired with courage, steadfastness, and sternness.”
Raven: “There are
five virtues that all social animals must live by. Humanity enables others to know a person cares
about others and is benevolent and kind. Uprightness enables others to know a
person is honorable and trustworthy. Self-respect enables us to avoid acting in
ways we regret later. Wisdom, which blends insight and intelligence, enables us
to attain both great and little things and to understand which is which. Sincerity
enables us to say what we mean and thus enables others to believe our words and
trust our actions. These virtues individuals should embrace. To be a leader requires
more however. A leader must also embody the courage to seize opportunities; the
steadfastness to endure disappointments, and the sternness to lead even when those
who are led waver.”
Poor Richard: “The
courageous boss prioritizes, as there is seldom time for anything but focusing
on the important opportunities for the business. The wise boss allocates
tasking and manages their staff to attain those priorities. The sincere boss explains
that when opportunities are exploited the business benefits but when they are lost,
the business suffers. She explains clearly to employees what they must do so that
they can actually do it. The steadfast boss ensures once they make a decision,
the decision is made. The stern but trustworthy boss ensures that employees directly
feel the benefits and losses they generate for the business.”
© Phyl Speser, January
3, 2013