The Five Components – Sun Tzu
‘Know when to fight and when not to fight’.
Understand that there is a season for everything and act with forethought and dispassion instead of succumbing to emotion. Superiority of numbers or position is not always necessary for victory.
One must know when to match a small force against a large force. One who understands the rhythm of the battle and is able to freely utilise other natural advantages can realise victory with a smaller force or inferior position.
Obtain the wholehearted support of your troops.
Obtaining the complete support of your troops by creating a common objective will give you an advantage over opponents. Japan is a classic example of leaders instilling a sense of working towards a common objective by their followers.
Be well prepared and seize favorable opportunities.
Sharpen you intuition in order to recognise favorable opportunities and be prepared to seize them.
Free yourself from interference from superiors.
If an emperor is constantly giving orders to his generals they cannot fight effective battles. Freedom from interference is essential to winning. If a general has been chosen well, he will insist on being given the freedom to win the battle. Note: Adolf Hitler’s continuous interference with his generals plans during the Second World War.
When the time is right act swiftly and decisively.
Do not act precipitously, but do not hesitate when the conditions for victory are present. Delay has an adverse effect on the productivity of the country. Weakening the country by waging a protracted war may give another adversary an opportunity to successfully attack.
In 1937 when Japan declared war on China, the Japanese claimed they would conquer China in three short months. They understood that the only way to win in China was to do so quickly as prolonged operations and holding on to captured areas of the country would require expensive and exhaustive methods.
China on the other hand knew it’s greatest asset was time and if it could keep fighting it would ultimately win. The other factor that the Japanese were unaware of was the secret move of the capital from Nankin into the interior of the country.
The Japanese then became involved in a protracted and exhausting campaign to subdue China which lasted eight years and ultimately led to their defeat.
Condensed from: Chu, Chin-ning: The Asian Mind Game: unlocking the hidden agenda of the Asian business culture; a westerner’s survival manual, AMC Publishing 1988. Chin-ning Chu is an International lecturer and foremost expert on Asian wisdom, the business psyche, and strategic winning tactics, author of ‘The Asian Mind Game’.
The Asian Mind Game is a must read for any Westerner trying to unlock the hidden agenda of the Asian business culture and is a fascinating look at the Asian mind set. In this book and with another publication ‘Thick Face Black heart she reveals the deep secrets that influence every aspect of Asian behaviour from business to politics and lifestyle.
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