Sun Tzu – The Art of War 10.26

If, however, you are indulgent, but unable to make your authority felt; kind-hearted, but unable to enforce your commands; and incapable, moreover, of quelling disorder: then your soldiers must be likened to spoilt children; they are useless for any practical purpose.

In this passage, Sun Tzu offers valuable insights into leadership by highlighting the need for a delicate equilibrium between being kind-hearted and exercising authority. He emphasizes that leaders must be able to enforce their commands while maintaining a compassionate demeanor.

Key Points:

1. Balancing Act: Sun Tzu begins by presenting leadership as a balancing act. Leaders should neither be overly indulgent, which might result in a lack of discipline, nor should they be excessively authoritarian, which can breed resentment and disloyalty among the troops.
2. Authority and Enforceability: While kindness and empathy are essential qualities for leaders, they must also possess the authority and capability to enforce their commands effectively. A leader who cannot make their authority felt or quell disorder is akin to being incapable.
3. Spoilt Children Analogy: Sun Tzu employs the metaphor of spoilt children to illustrate the consequences of leadership that lacks balance. Soldiers who are indulged but lack discipline can become ineffective and unruly.
4. Uselessness: Leaders who are kind-hearted but incapable of maintaining discipline and order may find their soldiers to be of little practical use. Such troops may be undisciplined, unresponsive, and unreliable in crucial situations.

Modern Applications:

Sun Tzu’s wisdom in this section resonates profoundly in contemporary leadership and management contexts:

1. Effective Leadership: In various domains, leaders must combine empathy and kindness with the ability to make critical decisions and enforce them when necessary. Striking this balance leads to more effective leadership.
2. Management Styles: Managers and supervisors can draw from this advice when dealing with teams. Being approachable and empathetic is essential, but so is maintaining control and ensuring that tasks are completed.
3. Parenting and Education: The concept of balancing kindness and authority applies to parenting and education. Parents and educators must foster a nurturing environment while setting clear boundaries and expectations for children.
4. Team Building: In team dynamics, leaders must create an atmosphere of mutual respect and empathy among team members while asserting their authority when required for achieving goals.
5. Conflict Resolution: In conflicts or disputes, individuals in positions of authority can apply this principle by addressing issues with empathy while taking decisive actions to resolve conflicts effectively.

Sun Tzu’s counsel serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of leadership that balances kindness with the ability to maintain discipline and enforce commands. Leaders who master this equilibrium can foster loyal, disciplined, and effective teams, ultimately leading to success in various endeavors.