From Sun Tzu (The Art of War, c. 5th century BCE), in the translation of Samuel B. Griffith (1963) and applied to business by Mark McNeilly (Sun Tzu and the Art of Business, 1996).
Favors position, surprise, and the indirect approach over head-on contest: know both sides, avoid strength, strike weakness, and win before the fight begins.
When to reach for it
Rivals, incumbents, or opposing factions are stronger in a direct contest, and the question is where and how to compete on better terms.
How it runs
- Assess your own side honestly: resources, allies, information, and morale.
- Assess the opponent on the same points.
- Find where the advantages and information gaps lie.
- Avoid the contest where the opponent is strong.
- Build position and alliances before any open contest.
- Know when withdrawing preserves more than engaging.
Where it sits in SOLVE eX
Go to the source
- The Art of War, c. 5th century BCE
- The Art of War, translation and commentary, 1963
- Sun Tzu and the Art of Business, 1996