Overview
Those who have not studied Sun Tzu usually think of strategy as a form of
planning, but in this chapter, Sun Tzu makes it clear that strategy requires
us to continually change our plans. Strategy is not planning as much as it
is a systematic process. Strategy follows a consistent set of rules. It uses
well-defined methods, but it also teaches us to continually adjust our plans
to meet the unique, specific situations that we encounter. Sun Tzu teaches
that competitive systems are dynamic and constantly changing. Like
competition itself, successful strategies must be dynamic—willing to and
capable of change. Sun Tzu's concept of adaptability, the topic of this
chapter, teaches that we succeed by adapting to our circumstances.
Sun Tzu’s system of strategy mandates opportunism. No matter what our plan,
we must take advantage of certain types of opportunities when they present
themselves. Though strategy teaches flexibility, we have to know and use its
well-defined rules to be successful.
Situations change quickly. We must react instantly to those changes in an
appropriate way. In earlier chapters we discussed the general rules of
strategy, but from this point on we focus on very specific rules for
advancing our position in particular situations. As those situations arise,
we must quickly recognize them and react appropriately.
This chapter makes it clear that adaptability does not mean that we can do
whatever we want in every situation. Creativity is an important part of
strategy, but the rules of strategy are as certain as the rules of geometry.
Since adaptability depends entirely on the discernment of the leader, the
end of this chapter addresses the potential weaknesses of a leader and how
those weaknesses can lead to our downfall.
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To start the Lessons 146 - 159, click
here.
In this chapter, we change the rules. You will only get one
opportunity to answer the question and it comes, as usual, before the lesson.
Review Lessons
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