THE ART of SUN TZU
SUN-TZU’S 5 FACTORS FOR VICTORY AND 5 ATTRIBUTES OF A LEADER

“Before doing battle, in the temple one calculates and will win” Sun-Tzu

#1 Principle: Control Yourself 

Number 1 is Control Yourself. 

Sun-Tzu is very deliberate about his guidelines of separating out Ego and Emotion from decision making. Thomas quotes him in his talk “Before doing battle, in the temple one calculates and will win” – take decisions away from field of combat. As in combat, so in life. Life decisions taken under high emotion or driven by ego desire are dangerous. They need reflection in the light of a meditative peaceful pose. “Those angry will be happy again, and those wrathful will be cheerful again, but a destroyed nation cannot be brought back to life” Sun-Tzu. Strong emotions will go away, but actions can never be undone. Battle that is driven by revenge, by anger, by frustration is not good battle. Personal conflict that is driven by anger, revenge is not good for either party.

The 5 attributes of a Great General (Leader)

a. Sun-Tzu

b. Sun-Tzu

c. Wisdom

d. Credibility

e. Benevolence

f. Courage

g. Discipline

The 5 Factors for Victory

a. Way – Your personal connection to other people

b. Heaven – Environment outside your control

c. Ground – Environment under your control

d. General – Ability and Attitude

e. Law – Discipline and Commitment