In difficult times you need to take a new approach to the way you do business and lead your team. In Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” there are many of his philosophies that a leader can apply to get results in the “battlefield”.

A leader leads by example, not by force

This is a really important message, if you want your team to respect and follow your lead then show them how it’s done. A collaborative team approach versus a dictatorial one.

You have to believe in yourself

In times of doubt, your staff will look in your direction to gauge what is going on. If you don’t believe in yourself, your business and your own success as the leader, how can you expect your team to remain positive and focused?

Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak

How powerful is this message? Allow your team to see that you are human, that you can be vulnerable, however, know when you need to take the lead and make the tough decisions and ensure that you get your team behind you at all times.

Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.

There are countless leaders out there who do not have a clearly defined strategy, who are in awe when they can’t get ahead of the game. At the end of the day, it’s not only about winning the battle but rather the war.

Opportunities multiply as they are seized

This speaks for itself, how many opportunities do you as a leader grab every day, how many do you miss in the fog of doubt? Seize the moment!

Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. And they will follow you into the deepest valley

On many occasions, I have spoken about the importance of treating your staff as one of your own. This includes giving them feedback on their performance, whether it is good or bad. Rewarding them, this does not necessarily refer to bonuses, a tap on the back goes a long way in showing you appreciate someone's efforts and hard work. Training your staff will help them perform better. Keep your team informed, instead of letting the grapevine do the job.

If you want to be as powerful and successful in your battlefield as the great war leader and strategist, Chinese military general Sun Tzu, follow his great philosophy’s.

For great business success contact Sonja Shear This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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