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Sun Tzu Philosophy: Preparation, Planning and Strategy
- by J. Khoo @ Mr Art of War
- Oct 29, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 11
Discover how you can apply Sun Tzu's philosophy on preparation, planning, and strategy to win.
Similar to Sun Tzu's preparation for war, we have to do our preparation before we take on any task, be it our job or business.
Table of Contents:
Sun Tzu's Philosophy on preparation
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu quotes,
Good fighters of the past first put themselves in an invincible position and then waited for the opportunity to be be victorious when the enemy is vulnerable.
Sun Tzu, the renowned ancient Chinese military strategist and philosopher, emphasized the critical importance of preparation in warfare by putting yourself in an invincible position.
He understood that the outcome of battles was not solely determined by the bravery of soldiers or the strength of weapons, but rather by the meticulous preparation and readiness that preceded any engagement.
One of his key principles was ensuring that there was an ample supply of food and resources to sustain the troops throughout the duration of conflicts.
This foresight was essential, as a well-fed and well-cared-for army was far more effective in combat than one that was weary and starving.
At the same time Sun Tzu recognized that soldiers needed to be trained and prepared for battle, not just in the art of combat, but also in discipline and strategy, to ensure they could respond effectively to the chaos of battle.
In addition to the physical preparation of troops, Sun Tzu also stressed the importance of maintaining weapons in peak condition.
This involved regular sharpening and maintenance, ensuring that each soldier was equipped with reliable and effective tools for warfare.
Sun Tzu's preparation phase was not merely a preliminary step but a fundamental aspect of military success, as it laid the groundwork for victory on the battlefield.
His teachings remind us that the diligence put into preparation can often determine the outcome of any endeavor.
Sun Tzu's preparation applies to business, and life.
Preparation comes first before action.
When it comes to business, we should prepare to ensure we have enough funding, employees, business research and the required skills needed for the business.
This is to put yourself "in an invincible position" as Sun Tzu put it.
As for Sun Tzu's preparation for life, we must make sure our skills, resources and experience are ready to take on every adventure and life's decisions.
As part of preparation in business and life, we should sharpen our skills in leadership, management, and negotiation.
Sun Tzu's Philosophy on planning
Once preparation is completed, the next crucial step is the meticulous planning for battle.
This is Sun Tzu's quote on planning,
The general who makes many calculations in his temple wins the battle, The general who makes few calculations beforehand loses the battle.
Many calculations must be done to lead to victory, and few calculations lead to defeat: how much more, no calculations at all! Looking at this, I can foresee who will likely win or lose.
In his quotes, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of planning before battle.
When Sun Tzu said "many calculations," he meant that your planning must take into account multiple variables, including the strengths and weaknesses of your army and those of the enemy.
The general will have to evaluate numerous factors such as terrain, troop morale, supply lines, and potential enemy strategies.
Conversely, making "few calculations" is a stark warning: it indicates a lack of preparation and foresight that can lead to disastrous outcomes on the battlefield.
The reference to "no calculations at all" shows recklessness and utter negligence, highlighting that without any strategic planning, defeat is almost guaranteed.
If you really observe the people around you, did anyone you know do meticulous planning, and how about those who did not do any planning at all? What was their outcome?
The fact is, failure is most of the time a failure of planning.
Sun Tzu's planning applies to work, business, and life.
For Sun Tzu's planning in business, for example, consist of a comprehensive market analysis, competitive intelligence, and strategic forecasting.
This can mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving in a competitive marketplace.
In personal life, planning means setting clear goals and devising actionable plans can really enhance your chances of achieving desired goals.
Also, if you put more calculations, what Sun Tzu said can also be interpreted as a call for adaptability. The ability to reassess and recalibrate plans based on new information or changing circumstances is essential.
Planning = Calculations that take into account changing circumstances.
We as a successful strategist, whether in war or any other field, must remain flexible and responsive to the dynamics of the environment.
This adaptability, combined with thorough initial planning, creates a robust framework for navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
Sun Tzu's Philosophy on Strategy
To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; Supreme excellence is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
This Art Of War quote by Sun Tzu encapsulates the essence of his approach to warfare and conflict resolution.
It emphasizes that true mastery lies not in the sheer act of defeating an opponent through direct confrontation, but rather in the ability to achieve one's objectives through cunning, diplomacy, and strategic maneuvering.
Sun Tzu advocates for a deep understanding of both oneself and the adversary, suggesting that knowledge and foresight can lead to victory without the need for costly battles.
There are many ways to subdue your "enemy". This can involve a range of tactics, including psychological warfare, strategic alliances, and the manipulation of circumstances to create a favorable environment for oneself while undermining the opponent's position.
Sun Tzu's strategy is always to secure victory with the least resistance, emphasizing the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in all endeavors. This approach not only conserves resources and minimizes casualties but also preserves the strength and morale of one's own forces.
Fighting head-on is the last option; instead, one should seek to exploit weaknesses, create divisions among adversaries, and use deception to achieve one's goals.
Moreover, Sun Tzu's teachings extend beyond the battlefield, applying to various aspects of life, including business, politics, and personal relationships.
The principles of strategic thinking, adaptability, and foresight are universally relevant, encouraging individuals and organizations to plan meticulously, anticipate challenges, and respond to changing circumstances with agility.
By embracing these ideas, one can navigate conflicts more skillfully, turning potential confrontations into opportunities for growth and success.
In essence, Sun Tzu's insights remind us that the greatest victories are often those that are achieved through wisdom and strategy rather than brute force.
The ability to outthink an opponent, to influence outcomes without direct confrontation, and to maintain a position of strength while appearing non-threatening are hallmarks of a true strategist.
Thus, the teachings of Sun Tzu continue to resonate, offering timeless wisdom for those who seek to master the art of strategy in any arena of competition.
Sun Tzu's strategy for business and life
We spoke earlier about this Sun Tzu quote below, which encapsulates a profound insight into the nature of conflict and victory.
To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; Supreme excellence is to subdue the enemy without fighting.
Following Sun Tzu's strategic principles, the ultimate goal to achieve success in business transcends the mere act of working hard.
It is essential to recognize that while diligence and effort are foundational elements of any successful endeavor, they are not the only determinants of victory in the competitive landscape.
Sun Tzu's emphasis on "subduing the enemy without fighting" offers a critical lesson in the art of strategy.
It encourages us to shift our focus from relentless labor to the development of well-thought-out strategies that allow us to achieve our objectives with greater ease and efficiency.
This means leveraging our resources wisely, minimizing waste, and maximizing impact. By employing strategic foresight, we can navigate challenges and outmaneuver competitors without engaging in direct confrontation.
In the context of life strategy, the term "hustle" has gained significant popularity, often associated with the relentless pursuit of success through sheer effort and determination.
However, this concept does not fully align with the wisdom imparted by Sun Tzu's philosophy.
The hustle mentality can sometimes lead to burnout and inefficiency, as it emphasizes the quantity of effort over the quality of strategy.
Instead, we should prioritize the formulation of comprehensive strategies that encompass a variety of options and pathways to success.
This means conducting thorough analyses of our environment, understanding our competition, and identifying opportunities that allow us to achieve our goals "without fighting."
By doing so, we can cultivate a mindset that values strategic thinking over brute force, leading to more sustainable and effective outcomes.
Ultimately, the essence of Sun Tzu's teachings lies in the recognition that true mastery in any field, whether in business or personal endeavors, is achieved not through relentless struggle, but through the artful application of strategy, foresight, and intelligent decision-making.
Mastering the Art Of War by Sun Tzu is about the art of victory.
He wins his battle by making no mistakes. Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
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