Sun Tzu – The Art of War 7.6

If you set a fully equipped army in march in order to snatch an advantage, the chances are that you will be too late. On the other hand, to detach a flying column for the purpose involves the sacrifice of its baggage and stores.

Sun Tzu’s Art of War is a military treatise that has been applied to various fields, including business, politics, and sports. One of the most important principles that can be learned from this ancient text is the importance of timing. As stated in verse 7.6, “if you set a fully equipped army in march in order to snatch an advantage, the chances are that you will be too late.”

In business, this principle can be applied to the launch of new products or services. A company must be able to time its product release in such a way that it creates a significant impact on the market. If the product is released too early or too late, it may not have the desired effect. Timing is also important in marketing campaigns, as companies need to know when to launch advertising campaigns to generate the most impact.

In politics, timing is essential for decision-making. A leader must be able to analyze the situation and make decisions quickly, but without rushing. Waiting too long to make a decision can result in missed opportunities or worse outcomes, while making a decision too quickly without proper analysis can result in poor outcomes as well.

Sports are another area where timing is critical. A coach must be able to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their team and their opponent to create a game plan that will lead to a victory. In addition, timing of substitutions, play calling, and other tactical decisions can be the difference between winning and losing a game.

Overall, Sun Tzu’s principle of timing emphasizes the importance of being prepared and ready to act when the time is right. Whether in business, politics, or sports, taking advantage of opportunities at the right moment is crucial for success.