Using War Strategies in the Office

(note: This article is adapted from my interview with the Straits Times in 2011)

The Sun Tzu 5 Elements of Dao-Jiang-Tian-Di-Fa 道将天地法 as used in the office:

Dao: This means you must know where and at what level you are pitching your strategy. Or simply put, know your purpose and why you do what you do. Like in sales, we teach people 'Your Why', why you are doing sales and what attracts you to your company. From here the salesperson can share why his company can help the prospect
Jiang: Jiang is the leader or leadership. In the office, if everyone uses blame, excuses and denial and no one takes leadership and responsibility for office matters, you can be sure that the whole office will be on fire soon
Tian: Tian refers to the overall climate or what HR Practitioners called "Corporate Culture". It is your way of doing things, and your written and unwritten rules in the office
Di: Di is the ground, support and places where you can take refuge in. In the office, it is often the pantry or storeroom where the staff can find some peace and take refuge from office matters. As a leader or manager, it is important that you have good ground support for your policies or you will be just a tyrant.
Fa: Fa is the methods, discipline and team spirit that binds people. Note that Fa does not restrict people, it merely makes them more focused and united. If there is no fa, the whole office will be in chaos

Sun Tzu Art of War Courses at here and there

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