What managers can learn from Sun Tzu's 'The Art of War' #shorts

Strategy advisor Roger Martin explains how 2,000 year old military thinking is useful in modern business strategy.

[Geezer-yfhv]

Sun Tzu knew what he was talking about!

[cyo]

Although it has become a red flag for me when an employer says “we are like family here” bc the paradigm of business has not changed. This is when a mother would cut off the head of her son to keep her business alive.

[-Scrapper-]

"Don't be a smart fella. Be a fart smella"

[Apeiron]

If fighting is sure to result in victory, then you must fight!" Sun Tzu said that, and I'd say he knows a little bit more about fighting than you do, pal, because he invented it, and then he perfected it so that nobody could best him in the ring of honor. Then he used his fight money to buy two of every animal on earth. And then he herded them onto a boat, and then he beat the crap out of every single one. And from that day forward any time a bunch of animals are together in one place it's called a zoo!

[hyperkid]

I farted and the liquid poopy almost spilled. -Sun Tzu the art of I shat my pants

[JeanSarfati]

Are they owners ? That's the major unsaid question. If they are not the consequences are the ones of double talk. Paternalism is efficient until this final limit: they can be fired, the owner no.

[HazyWave]

The 80's called. They'd like all their quoting Sun Tzu back.

[goldencinder]

Yeah no shit it's because people in these as your words "very big" management situations have given up the family experience in pursuit of the career so they don't have sons to start with

[Sjon_E]

You understand that these people will only pick and choose the quotes that they want, and will fit them to justify their actions.

"The greatest victory is that which requires no battle.” is going to translate "Why should i hire people (battle) when I can just give my workers more work (victory)"

"Quickness is the essence of the war." is "We need to cut as many corners as possible, safety be damned"

"Great results can be achieved with small forces.” is "Time to downsize and turn this company lean!"

[Mr.Morden]

My experience with corporate management is the same as Rule of Acquisition 211: Employees are the rungs on the ladder of success. Don't hesitate to step on them.

In other words, all that matters is productivity numbers. Management above them are psychopaths who do not experience emotion or compassion.

[scotsbillhicks]

More up to date, but in the same vein; Field Marshal William Slim’s speech to his officers: “if you do not eat, drink, sleep, or smoke before your men they will follow you into hell. If you do, I will break you in front of the regiment.”

[leftorium]

No. No one at work is my family. This is bad advice.

[amysinger]

treating me like family? dangerous.... I feel corporations have perverted this into, do what you're told for no money because I told you too. I"M THE PARENT.... So SunTzu only really works in a culture with specific family values.

[hijodetupa]

Lol who told this guy that a manager team are his employees lol