Sun Tzu’s Art of War analyzes the most crucial elements of a successful leader in war. The overarching theme stressed most in Art of War is knowledge. Knowing yourself and knowing the enemy and what you are up against are the most assuring signs of a powerful and dominant leader. Someone who knows his men that serve beneath him in and out and can utilize their potential optimally will see the best results. Much of what Sun Tzu stresses is used in many modern contexts from coaching to corporate business. As a Naval Academy Midshipman, I can personally say we embody many of his teachings whether we consciously know it or not.
From day one we are taught the importance of teamwork and unity. Doing small things to build comradery in the early stages ultimately will help us effectively serve as brothers and sisters in arms in the fleet. Art of War places a heavy emphasis on caring for your team, and throughout our progression at the Academy we learn the important value of looking out for our people. The caveat to taking care of others that Sun Tzu makes clear, is that the most effective leadership comes from ruling with toughness. Upholding the standard of honor and duty couldn’t be more in line with the mission of the Naval Academy. Knowing what’s best for your people, even it means not being liked by your subordinates, is the most important thing to building a strong unit. A leader aims to be respected, not liked. Fraternization and doing favors isn’t the job of a leader. Completing the mission is the most important factor at the end of the day and Sun Tzu would agree that winning is at the core of why we fight wars in the first place.
Another interesting thing acknowledged by Sun Tzu that resonates with Midshipmen is thriving through challenge and accepting failure. Knowing what your people are capable of, and challenging them is the most effective way to get the best from your people. Most Midshipmen would say that they always have a full plate, and often feel overwhelmed. Sun Tzu would say that this pressure will make people better in the end. Making mistakes now, when the stakes aren’t high, allows Midshipman to learn the importance of prioritizing and allows them to fix their issues before they are met with real world challenges in the fleet. This also gives them a realistic sense of what their people in the fleet will be capable of. Not working your team to death, or giving them unrealistic tasks are important to not only completing missions successfully, but also earning the respect of your people.
The bottom line is that Art of War is not only relevant, but a tool for any Midshipman trying to be the most successful leader they can be. The lessons taught by Sun Tzu are still relevant thousands of years after. A leader who is prepared, knowledgeable, and reasonable will have the most success in leading others in any field, military or not.
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The West in the Pre-Modern World 