Sun Tzu – The Art of War 10.27

If we know that our own men are in a condition to attack, but are unaware that the enemy is not open to attack, we have gone only halfway towards victory

In this passage, Sun Tzu stresses the significance of having comprehensive knowledge about the readiness and condition of both your own forces and the enemy’s. He highlights that victory is not just about your own readiness to attack but also about understanding the vulnerabilities of the opposing side.

Key Points:

1. Holistic Assessment: Sun Tzu advocates for a holistic assessment of the battlefield situation. Knowing that your troops are prepared for an attack is only part of the equation. You must also be well-informed about the enemy’s status and vulnerabilities.
2. Two-Pronged Approach: Success in warfare requires a two-pronged approach. First, ensuring your forces are ready and capable of mounting an attack is crucial. Second, equally vital is identifying weaknesses or opportunities on the enemy’s side that can be exploited.
3. Avoiding Overconfidence: Sun Tzu’s advice cautions against overconfidence. Relying solely on the preparedness of your troops while neglecting to gather intelligence about the enemy’s condition can lead to disastrous outcomes.

Modern Applications:

Sun Tzu’s insights from this section have direct relevance in contemporary contexts:

1. Business Strategy: In the business world, understanding your own company’s strengths and weaknesses is essential, but it’s equally important to gather competitive intelligence to assess rivals. A complete knowledge of both sides enhances strategic decision-making.
2. Sports Strategy: Coaches and athletes can apply this principle by not only focusing on their team’s readiness but also studying the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents to develop winning strategies.
3. Financial Planning: In investment and financial planning, it’s not enough to know your own financial situation; it’s crucial to assess the economic landscape and market conditions for well-informed investment decisions.
4. Negotiation: When entering negotiations or agreements, having a complete understanding of your own position and goals is essential. However, it’s equally vital to grasp the interests and vulnerabilities of the other party to negotiate effectively.
5. Project Management: Project managers should not only ensure their teams are well-prepared but also evaluate potential risks and uncertainties on the project’s horizon, considering factors beyond their control.

Sun Tzu’s wisdom encourages a comprehensive and balanced approach to decision-making, emphasizing the importance of assessing both your own readiness and the circumstances of the opposing side. Victory is achieved not only by being prepared but also by exploiting the weaknesses and opportunities presented by the situation at hand.