Sun Tzu – The Art of War 8.12

There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:
(1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;
(2) cowardice, which leads to capture;
(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;
(4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame;
(5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.

Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is one of the most influential military treatises in history, and for good reason. Its lessons on strategy and tactics have been studied and applied in various fields, from business to politics to sports.

One of the most famous passages in the book is the list of five dangerous faults that may affect a general. These faults are not only applicable to military leaders but also to anyone in a position of authority or responsibility. Let us take a closer look at each of these faults and how they can be avoided.

The first fault is recklessness, which can lead to destruction. A leader who is reckless takes unnecessary risks without considering the consequences. This can lead to failure, not only for the leader but also for their team or organization. To avoid this fault, a leader must be thoughtful and strategic in their decisions, weighing the risks and benefits before taking action.

The second fault is cowardice, which can lead to capture. A leader who is cowardly avoids challenges and shirks responsibility. This not only harms the leader’s reputation but also undermines the confidence of their team. A leader must be brave and willing to take on challenges, even if they are difficult or risky.

The third fault is a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults. A leader with a short temper can make rash decisions that harm their team or organization. It is essential to maintain composure and stay level-headed in all situations, even when facing insults or criticism.

The fourth fault is a delicacy of honor, which is sensitive to shame. A leader with a delicate sense of honor can become defensive or vindictive when criticized or challenged. It is important to recognize that constructive criticism can be helpful and that no one is infallible. Leaders should learn to take criticism with grace and use it as an opportunity for growth.

The fifth and final fault is over-solicitude for their men, which exposes them to worry and trouble. A leader who is too concerned with the well-being of their team may become overly involved in their personal affairs, leading to distraction and loss of focus. It is important to strike a balance between caring for one’s team and maintaining a professional distance that allows for effective leadership.

In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” provides valuable insights into leadership and strategy. The five dangerous faults listed in the book serve as a reminder of the potential pitfalls that leaders must avoid. By being thoughtful, brave, composed, humble, and balanced in their approach, leaders can navigate difficult situations with confidence and achieve success for themselves and their teams.