How To Defeat Your Enemy

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The question is, ‘How can you guard yourself against defeat and take advantage of the opportunities the enemy offers?’

According to Sun Tzu, ‘Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.’

‘Take advantage of the enemy’s unpreparedness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack him where he has taken no precautions.’

‘If your opponent is of choleric, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.’

‘To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.’

If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.’

‘Successful, dynamic businesses have unifying, purposeful objectives. Less successful businesses have vague description of their solutions and lack differentiation.’

‘If you can’t articulate your plan, you’ll have big problems.’

‘Cross-functional training and unity will help your business overcome threats and advance forward.’

‘Agility is a primary advantage of small businesses, when contrasted with the competition.’

‘You cannot enter into alliances until we are acquainted with the designs of our neighbors.’

Source:

Becky Sheetz-Runkle (2014). The Art of War for Small Business: Defeat the Competition and Dominate the Market with the Masterful Strategies of Sun Tzu

‘Yes’ And ‘No’

‘Every decision about yes and no really comes down to how you’re going to spend your time.’

No is how you protect yourself and others from making bad commitments, dedicating resources trying to do things that cannot be done (not possible), are not allowed (against the rules), or that on balance, should not be done ( a bad idea or not the next top priority).

‘Every good no makes room for a better yes.’

Yes is the beginning of a collaboration, the start of something.’

Every good yes is a chance to make the most of a good opportunity and serve others by adding value and building your real influence.’

Every good no – or not yet– makes room for a better opportunity.’

Every bad yes is a waste of time, energy, and money that will crowd out a better opportunity.’

Every bad no is a missed opportunity or a delayed ( and maybe soured) opportunity if the no gets overturned.’

Every yes is a commitment, and every commitment deserves to be taken seriously and honored with a good plan and focused execution.’

Plan the work so that you can work your plan.’

Source:

Bruce Tulgan (2020). The Art of Being Indispensable at Work: Win Influence Beat Overcommitment And Get The Right Things Done