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strategic thought, you gain insight into how both can strengthen your strategy and tactics. |
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This book does not propose a short list of key strategies, but rather is formulated around the understanding that strategy is a mental process. The best strategy comes from the right mind-set. Clausewitz said, "Theory can give no formula with which to solve problems. It lets the mind take a look at objects and their relations and then the mind goes to higher regions of action, there to act." Sun Tzu: The Art of War for Managers provides a refreshing way to immerse one's self in the great strategic thinking which nurtures the mind. |
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This new translation of Sun Tzu is a joy to readand read again. The lessons of Sun Tzu can be applied to many real-life situations and serve as an everyday resource for all kinds of strategic thought. For example, a version of The Art of War relates Sun Tzu's principles to winning in the stock market. An English translation titled The Art of Strategy is organized as a template for the strategies of life. |
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The strategic lessons in The Art of War have become a general construct to solve a variety of problems. Although the text has its origin in military strategy, the applications in this book focus on strategic issues for managers. |
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Like the original work, this book is divided into 13 chapters. Unlike the original work, each chapter is subdivided into three to six discrete strategic rules. |
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Each chapter begins with a title page from the original translation, the titles of the strategic rules, and brief commentary. On facing pages within the chapter are Sun Tzu's translation and business commentary on the strategic rules. |
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At the end of the book, an appendix restates key concepts. |
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Because the flow of the book faithfully maintains the sequential order of Sun Tzu's translation, there is no modern strategic construct. Rather, each strategic rule stands alone as an idea generator for the contemporary strategist. |
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Because the content of the book flows from Sun Tzu's philosophy, it should not be considered as a complete modern strategic manual. Instead, the value of the translation and business commentary is its ability to simplify the complexity of strategic thinking. While you may want to take the philosophy of Sun Tzu seriously, do not take the modern translation of the ancient words too literally. |
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My wish is that this simplified organization and commentary on the wisdom of an ancient strategist will contribute to your continued success. |
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GERALD A. MICHAELSON |
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