Sun Tzu – The Art of War 10.17

When the higher officers are angry and insubordinate, and on meeting the enemy give battle on their own account from a feeling of resentment, before the commander-in-chief can tell whether or no he is in a position to fight, the result is ruin.

In this section, Sun Tzu cautions against a particularly dangerous situation within an army—when higher-ranking officers become angry, insubordinate, and act independently out of resentment. He warns that when these officers engage the enemy prematurely, without waiting for the commander-in-chief’s assessment, the result is often ruin.

Key Points:

1. Commander-in-Chief’s Authority: Sun Tzu underscores the critical role of the commander-in-chief as the central authority responsible for strategic decisions and overall command. The commander-in-chief’s role is to assess the situation, weigh the factors, and determine whether it’s the right time to engage the enemy.
2. Higher Officer Resentment: Sun Tzu acknowledges that disagreements and disputes can arise among officers, including those in senior positions. However, he emphasizes that allowing these conflicts to escalate to the point where higher officers act independently out of anger can have catastrophic consequences.
3. Premature Engagement: When higher officers engage the enemy without proper authorization or strategic assessment, it can lead to a battle that the army may not be prepared for. Premature engagement can result in confusion, disarray, and a weakened position.
4. Ruin: Sun Tzu’s choice of the word “ruin” underscores the severity of the consequences. Battles fought without a clear strategy or coordination often end in defeat, loss of resources, and significant harm to the army’s overall effectiveness.

Modern Applications:

Sun Tzu’s insights on officer insubordination and the need for a centralized command structure have broader applications outside of the military context:

1. Organizational Leadership: In the corporate world, this principle relates to the importance of a clear chain of command and respect for leadership roles. When senior executives or department heads act independently and disregard the overall organizational strategy, it can lead to inefficiency and conflicts.
2. Political Leadership: Effective governance relies on the proper functioning of government hierarchies. Political leaders must maintain authority and cohesion within their teams to address national or regional challenges successfully.
3. Project Management: In project management, a project leader or manager must have the authority to make critical decisions and direct the team. Team members who act independently can disrupt project timelines and objectives.
4. Team Sports: In sports, team captains and coaches play analogous roles to military commanders. Effective sports teams require discipline, coordination, and respect for leadership.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s teachings in section 10.17 serve as a reminder of the importance of a clear command structure, respect for authority, and adherence to strategic decision-making processes. The consequences of insubordination among higher officers can be ruinous, whether in military campaigns or other complex organizations. Maintaining a unified chain of command and ensuring that decisions are made by those with the appropriate authority are key principles for achieving success in various domains.