Sun Tzu – The Art of War 5.21

The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, and does not require too much from individuals. Hence his ability to pick out the right men and utilize combined energy

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a treatise on military strategy that has been studied for centuries. In Chapter 5, he discusses the use of indirect tactics in warfare, and in section 21, he touches on the importance of combined energy in achieving victory.

According to Sun Tzu, a clever combatant should not rely too much on individual strengths but rather focus on the effect of combined energy. In other words, the key to success lies in utilizing the collective strength of the entire army rather than relying on the abilities of a few exceptional individuals.

To achieve this, the commander must be able to identify the right people for the job and assign them roles that will allow them to work together effectively. The success of the team depends on how well each member can complement and support the others. Sun Tzu’s emphasis on collective effort underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration in warfare.

This concept can be applied to any field where a group of individuals must work together to achieve a common goal. Whether in sports, business, or any other pursuit, success is often determined by how well team members can work together and combine their skills and strengths to achieve a common objective.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” emphasizes the importance of combined energy in achieving victory in warfare. A successful commander must be able to identify the right people for the job and utilize their collective strengths to achieve the desired outcome. This lesson can be applied to any team-based activity, where collaboration and teamwork are essential for success.