Sun Tzu for Execution: How to Use The Art of War to Get Results

By: Steven W. Michaelson

Adams Media Corporation

This book consists of two parts: first, a complete translation of Sun Tzu's The Art of War by Pan Jiabin and Liu Ruixiang (from People's Republic of China) and then “The Art of Execution” in which Michaelson focuses on five “people management principles” of effective execution: Simplicity, Create Alignment, People Always, Flexibility, and Have Towering Strengths. Readers will especially appreciate Michaelson’s skillful use of various devices that facilitate, indeed expedite, a review of key points later. For example, an “In Summary” section at the conclusion of each chapter and the provision in all chapters of checklists, bullet points, and bold face. Michaelson's purpose is to provide what amounts to detailed annotations of his primary text, suggesting the relevance of Sun Tzu's admonitions to the 21st century business world.
Quite properly, he places greatest emphasis (as does Sun Tzu) on effective execution by whatever means necessary, preferably under most favorable conditions. In the Introduction, Michaelson shares an anecdote that reveals how Sun Tzu reputedly achieved a specific objective. “The king gave Sun Tzu his 100 concubines and challenged him to apply his theories and practices of training soldiers to managing the concubines. The concubines, as you might expect, were untrained in the matters of marching and drills and performed poorly. Sun Tzu decided to try a more decisive tactic — he beheaded the king's favorite concubine. The rest of the concubines, realizing that Sun Tzu was, indeed, serious about having his directives carried out, immediately began to execute his orders exceedingly well.”
Granted, this is a somewhat extreme example of “execution,” especially given today's preoccupation with “empowering” employees. However, Sun Tzu's action did achieve the desired objective. Credit Michaelson with providing a lively, thoughtful, and practical analysis of a classic source, The Art of War.

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