Comments on Sun Tzu’s The
Art of War, edited by Dick Cooledge, Comptche Press, 1927.
Sun Tzu: “Every
general learns these five things as a young officer. Those that consider them well
prevail; those that do not, fail. Therefore in your planning consider them well
and make comparisons between you and your enemies. Ask whose political
leadership exemplifies the Way better? Which of the generals has the most
ability? Who has advantages of terrain and of climate and weather? On which
side is discipline ingrained? Whose army is stronger and better prepared? Whose
army is better trained? Who has established clear and consistent systems of
reward and punishment? By analyzing these considerations honestly, you can
predict who will win and thus when you should fight and when to avoid fighting.
The general who does this best can win and should be the one in command. The
general who ignores them will suffer defeat. How much better to dismiss him
now.”
Raven: “There is
always an element of luck when I am scavenging. So it is too for those who
hunt. The trick is to reduce the element of luck to the bare minimum. That way
you will seldom go hungry.”
Poor Richard: “The
wise merchant knows he or she cannot do everything; so their most important job
is to hire well. To hire well consider these things: Does the person embrace
the mission and vision of the company and its commitment to efficacy, quality,
and frugality? Are they both competent and creative so they can perform the
tasks required? Do they know how to lead and how to follow? Can they teach
others what they know and learn from others what they do not know? Do they
willingly do new tasks and use new tools? Do they respond well to the rewards
and sanctions the company uses to manage so they can be steered without
complaint? When you hire well, the business is profitable. When you hire
poorly, you go bankrupt.”
© Phyl Speser,
January 7, 2013