Sun Tzu – The Art of War 7.8

The stronger men will be in front, the jaded ones will fall behind, and on this plan only one-tenth of your army will reach its destination.

Sun Tzu’s The Art of War is not just a book on military strategy but also an instruction manual for leadership and decision-making in everyday life. In chapter 7, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of proper planning and execution when it comes to maneuvering an army. However, his advice on this matter also applies to any situation that requires coordination and delegation of tasks.

In chapter 7.8, Sun Tzu warns against the dangers of ordering a forced march without proper planning. He cautions that if an army is ordered to make a forced march without rest, only one-tenth of the soldiers will reach their destination. The stronger ones will move ahead while the jaded ones will fall behind. This kind of strategy is not just ineffective in warfare, but it also highlights the importance of treating people with respect and acknowledging their limits.

Similarly, in everyday life, setting unrealistic goals and timelines can lead to failure and burnout. A leader who doesn’t take into account the strengths and weaknesses of their team and pushes them too hard will only demotivate them in the long run. On the other hand, a leader who recognizes the limits of their team members and assigns tasks accordingly will not only increase the chances of success but also build trust and loyalty among the team members.

Sun Tzu’s advice in chapter 7.8 is a reminder that success is not just about the end result but also the process. Proper planning and execution, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses of those involved, can go a long way in achieving success in any endeavor.