Sun Tzu – The Art of War 10.16

When the common soldiers are too strong and their officers too weak, the result is insubordination. When the officers are too strong and the common soldiers too weak, the result is collapse.

In this section, Sun Tzu highlights the importance of maintaining a delicate balance of power within an army, specifically between officers and common soldiers. He explains that when common soldiers become too strong relative to their officers, it often leads to insubordination, while when officers become too dominant compared to the common soldiers, it can result in the collapse of the military structure.

Key Points:

1. Balanced Authority: Sun Tzu emphasizes that effective leadership and discipline require a balance of authority. Common soldiers should respect and follow their officers, while officers should lead with competence and fairness.
2. Insubordination: When common soldiers feel that they hold more power or influence than their officers, they may become insubordinate. This insubordination can manifest as disobedience, disrespect, or a breakdown in the chain of command.
3. Collapse: On the contrary, if officers hold excessive power and mistreat their subordinates, it can lead to a collapse in morale and cohesion within the ranks. Common soldiers may become demoralized, leading to a breakdown in discipline and military effectiveness.
4. Effective Leadership: Sun Tzu’s teachings stress that officers should earn the respect and loyalty of their soldiers through competence, fairness, and strong leadership. Common soldiers should understand the importance of following orders and maintaining discipline for the success of the mission.

Modern Applications:

Sun Tzu’s insights on the balance of power between officers and common soldiers have relevance beyond the realm of military strategy:

1. Corporate Leadership: In business organizations, a balance of authority between management and employees is crucial for maintaining a productive and harmonious work environment. Overly authoritative or weak leadership can lead to employee disengagement or dissatisfaction.
2. Government and Politics: Effective governance requires a balance of power among different branches and levels of government. Excessive concentration of power can lead to authoritarianism, while weak leadership can result in chaos and inefficiency.
3. Education and Teaching: Effective teaching and learning environments also benefit from a balance of authority. Teachers should maintain discipline and authority while fostering a positive and respectful learning atmosphere.
4. Team Dynamics: In sports, project teams, or any collaborative endeavor, a balance between leaders and team members is essential for success. Team members must respect leadership while leaders must recognize and value the contributions of their team.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s wisdom in sections 10.16 and 10.17 underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced power dynamic within organizations, whether in the military or other domains. It highlights the need for officers to lead with competence and fairness while common soldiers should follow orders and respect authority. This balanced approach fosters discipline, cohesion, and effectiveness, contributing to the success of any collective endeavor.