I first came to read the book The Art of War when I was a young manager (about 23 almost 24) when I was promoted into the role to manage a team with staff a fair bit older and more experienced than I.
With a full ego of confidence I thought I already had all the answers!
However, a couple of weeks in it was clear to me that there were other skills I needed to learn that I had not been taught at university and had only had experience from the other side (being managed poorly).
I spoke with a mentor of mine at the time and I was asking all the wrong questions! They ended up cutting me off mid-sentence and saying just one phrase “The Art of War”.
At the time I was aware of the text but had only ever read quotes individually and out of context with the rest of the book. What I read had a resounding effect on how I have worked ever since, perhaps no bigger lesson that I learned was the six calamities that an army (team) is exposed to from faults for which the general (manager) is responsible.
Flight, impotence, decay, ruin, chaos and rout.
So whilst remaining strong but not being overzealous, I explained what needed to be done and how we were going to do it and was successful in getting the resources I needed while ensuring all of the key people were on board with me. So with a bit more wisdom in my I set off on my new adventure, all the while thinking to myself did I just get this info from a 2000 year old army general??? It truly is amazing the places and people we learn from!
The information contained on this website has been provided as general advice only. The contents have been prepared without taking account of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before you make any decision regarding any information, strategies or products mentioned on this website, consult your own financial adviser to consider whether that is appropriate having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.