How to Apply the "Art of War" at Work
Sun Tzu's the Art of War is an ancient Chinese military manual written about 6 BC. The Art of War outlines several warring practices designed to increase the chances for military success. The Art of War continues to be famous because the rules of battle still apply to many modern situations. One of these situations is the business world. Both individual workers and entire companies can benefit from the practice of implementing tips from The Art of War.
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Instructions
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Access yourself and how you react to certain situations. One of the main lessons in the art of war is the ability to control your emotions. This applies just as much in the workplace as the battlefield. Know what you can and can't handle emotionally. If you are stressed by certain things, take a step back from the events and try to control your emotions. This will give you a better grasp on yourself, and help you become level-headed and beneficial in crisis situations.
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Learn all you can about your opponents. In battles, this can mean the difference between life and death. In the workplace, this can mean the death or survival of a company, or your position at work. Know who is competing for your job, or your company competitors. Learn all you can about the weaknesses of those opponents so that you can overcome the challenges. Present yourself as the better candidate to the people above you in your company and to the clients of your company.
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Avoid humiliating others or acting in a way that will cause others to suffer. The Art of War points out the importance of taking something whole.That means if you destroy something in order to win, then it does you no good to win. These principles also apply to business. Always treat others in a respectful manner, and never perform an action that can have unwanted consequences in the future.
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Consider making partners with your competition. This is a theme outlined in the Art of War. Sun Tzu taught that if you can make competitors friends, then they are no longer enemies, and you can both work together using the benefits and resources of both parties. This works for warring companies as well as employees in a business.
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References
- Photo Credit business colleagues preparing for business meeting image by Vladimir Melnik from Fotolia.com
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