Sun Tzu – The Art of War 10.25

Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.

In this passage, Sun Tzu imparts a profound lesson on leadership by urging commanders to view their soldiers not as mere subordinates but as cherished children or beloved sons. He underscores the incredible loyalty and dedication that such an approach can inspire.

Key Points:

1. Parental Analogy: Sun Tzu starts by employing a parental analogy. He encourages leaders to treat their soldiers with the same care, love, and responsibility as parents do for their children.
2. Loyalty Through Trust: By showing unwavering trust and care, leaders can elicit deep loyalty and commitment from their troops. Soldiers who feel valued and protected are more likely to follow their leader even into the most challenging circumstances.
3. Unity and Sacrifice: Sun Tzu implies that when soldiers perceive their commander as a caring and responsible figure, they are more inclined to stand united and make sacrifices for the greater good of the team.
4. Resilience: The imagery of soldiers following their leader into the deepest valleys or even unto death illustrates the unwavering devotion that can result from a leader’s genuine concern for their well-being.
5. Mutual Responsibility: This passage underscores the reciprocal nature of leadership. Just as a leader cares for their soldiers, soldiers are more likely to reciprocate with dedication and loyalty.

Modern Applications:

Sun Tzu’s insights in this section extend far beyond the battlefield and find resonance in various aspects of contemporary leadership and teamwork:

1. Leadership Trust: Trust is fundamental in leadership. Leaders in any domain, including business and organizations, can build trust by demonstrating genuine care for their team members’ well-being and development.
2. Team Cohesion: In team environments, whether in sports, business, or community groups, leaders who prioritize the welfare of their team members foster a sense of belonging and unity.
3. Employee Engagement: Employers can apply these principles to create a workplace culture where employees feel valued, cared for, and motivated to contribute their best efforts.
4. Mentorship: Mentors and coaches can adopt the parental analogy to guide and inspire their mentees, leading to more meaningful and productive relationships.
5. Personal Relationships: On an individual level, the concept of treating others with care and respect, akin to how parents love and protect their children, can lead to stronger personal connections and friendships.

In essence, Sun Tzu’s counsel underscores the profound impact that genuine care, trust, and mutual respect can have on leadership dynamics. Leaders who treat their “soldiers” as beloved sons or daughters create a powerful bond of loyalty and unity that can weather the most formidable challenges and lead to enduring success. This principle serves as a timeless reminder of the transformative potential of compassionate and responsible leadership.