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Sun Tzu for Execution

How to Use the Art of War to Get Results

Steven W. Michaelson

Adams Media, 2007

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Steven W. Michaelson has written an interesting but somewhat odd book. Its first section consists of a translation of Sun Tzu’s classic Chinese text on military strategy, The Art of War. The second section, which takes up most of the volume, focuses on how to apply Sun Tzu’s ideas to business. Nearly all the chapters open with a quotation from Sun Tzu, but Michaelson also refers to other military and business leaders. You could benefit from his comments on how to implement your business strategy without ever referring to the translation. That said, the principles Michaelson extracts are sound, and he shares with Sun Tzu the ability to provide clear, broad concepts to guide business strategists in a variety of situations. getAbstract recommends this book to executives who want to improve their ability to think strategically and who find it useful to boil down the process of strategizing to a few fundamental rules.

Summary

Applying The Art of War to Business

While Sun Tzu is famous as a military strategist, his skill at executing strategies is what makes him really important. Even the best strategy is worthless if you don’t act upon it. Sun Tzu had five core principles that guided his success at execution: “simplicity,” “create alignment,” “people always,” “flexibility” and “towering strengths.”

“Simplicity”

Most “great business successes” arise from simple, well-executed ideas. Take Dell, for example: It makes computers to order. Or Southwest Airlines: It provides cheap flights. With their one-track minds, these small companies defeated larger competitors. Thus, stay focused, keep costs low, and make sure all employees understand and act upon your one or two great ideas.

Just as great generals must time their attacks perfectly to have the greatest impact, so you must time your business moves. When your competition makes a mistake or is otherwise weak, attack. If you gain the upper hand, exploit it right away. “You can only do a few things well.” Make sure you know what they are, and do the things you do best, first.

In interactions with both employees and customers...

About the Author

Steven W. Michaelson is president of an online retailing company and is the co-author of several books about applying Sun Tzu’s military principles to business.

Sun Tzu for Execution

How to Use the Art of War to Get Results

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Applying The Art of War to Business

“Simplicity”

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