Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" (Chapter I, Pt I)

Hey Steemers, Steemees...Steemos? ..Steemsters? New here. Haven't quite figured that one out yet. For my first post, I was advised to write up an into, introducing myself to the community--and I will. The only problem is that I haven't written one up yet. Anyway, I'm reading the "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. A philosopher on human behavior, team building, and competition, Sun Tzu was a very smart guy. Now Sun Tzu was also a badass military strategist and general during China's Spring and Autumn period. As I read through his magnum opus, I am going to do some quick write ups and post them on here. I intend to write about each chapter, read through a lens of an entrepreneurial shade. Enjoy, comment and discuss.

*all Sun Tzu quotes are from Lionel Giles's "Art of War" Translation

Chapter 1 Laying Plans
He starts out by calling the art of war "vital" and a "matter of life and death." Now, for the intended purposes of the piece, this is obvious. To the guy surviving off of dollar menu meals worrying about rent because he puts everything he has into his venture , its just as obvious. Building something is like a war. Strategy is necessary in both. This whole chapter is about planning and preparation, being secure in mind, and ready for anything. It stress constant practice and being resolute. Founders are leaders, just like their military counterparts, generals. A military leader needs to be all of these. A founder does too. The frequently quoted "only 1 of 10 startups make it" shows just how important it is to be one hundred and ten percent dedicated. Like war, its all or nothing.

Sun Tzu stresses the five constant factors that govern war. Moral Law, Heaven, Earth, The Commander, and Method and Disciple. All of these need to be taken into account for a founder to increase his chances for success.

Morale Law
A founder cannot waver or be irresolute so that her team will follow her "regardless of their lives, undismayed by danger." If the leader isn't in at for the long haul, grinding everyday, how can the team be expected to have that attitude. Leaders create--here it comes, the magic word that everyone's been waiting for, drumroll please.....the culture! The way a leader acts is contagious, so she must be mindful of this.

Heaven
The elements, the seasons, weather, and other forces. A founder must observe the landscape of his market and realize all of the different things at play. Are people's preferences changing to a more mobile/app-centric environment from a previously computer dominated one. Do they want bigger or smaller. Everyone remembers when cellphones got smaller and smaller. Now they're getting bigger. Preferences change. Laws change. Technology changes, and with it, the way people do things, what they like, and what they buy changes. Every aspect needs to be considered.

Earth
The Earth "comprises distances, great and small; danger and security, open ground and narrow passes." It is all of the competition that already exists. Those who will be doing everything in their power to stop a start up entering their market. Between them and the new guy, its a game "of life and death."

The Commander
The Commander is a metaphor for the virtues and mission of the team--what inspired the venture. The Commander must be “sincere” and “wise.” Meaning, he is always a student but maintains the confidence and courage regarding the knowledge that he does have and for which he has prepared.

The Method and Discipline
This represent the specialization of individuals' labor; everyone knowing their role, and all working toward a defined, common goal.

Sun Tzu goes on to question on which side these factors are observed. By knowing where the currently established advantages lie, and knowing which side has more ability, cohesiveness, and discipline, Sun Tzu can know who will win. These are all obvious factors that need to be considered, but who will actually take the time to observe them all and incorporate them in her strategy? That is who will succeed.

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