“The Art of War” Applied to the World of Business
The world of business is a highly competitive place. Moreover, it may be frequently compared to a real battlefield due to the use of strategies and tricks in order to succeed and defeat one’s competitors. Business strategies are firmly entrenched in military strategy. In fact, adaptations of these military strategies are frequently evidenced in business. The following paper will discuss some quotes from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” and explain them in terms of business strategies.
“He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight (Tzu 51)”. According to the quote the leader should be wise and use different strategies and tactics in order to succeed in the battle. The same may be applied to business as there are many strategies which lead to success apart from confronting a competitor.
Sun Tzu also states that “supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting (46).” This as well may stand for the fact that developing different strategies it is possible to outflank one’s rivals. Moreover, as Sun Tzu declares “the rule is, not to besiege walled cities if it can possibly be avoided (47)”. This expression also supports the previous ideas.
“He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks (Tzu 51)”. The quote means that a good leader should inspire their subordinates and give them a goal to achieve.
Another quote that supports the idea of interconnectedness between business and battlefield strategies is the following: “who wishes to fight must first count the cost (Tzu 41)”. This means that a successful leader should evaluate all the possible outcomes before getting into fight (in case of business strategy, into competition).
All of these quotes and directions are evidently useful for one’s success in business. Just like battlefield the world of business is a dangerous and competitive area. Thus, all these directions may help me to become a good leader and organize my business in a proper way.
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