Sun Tzu

   “Discipline means organization, chain of command, and logistics.” 

            “Every general has heard of these five things. Those who know them prevail, those who do not know them do not prevail”

             The current section of the Art of War I’m reading is “Strategic Assessments”.  Within this context the first entry above sets a definition for militaristic discipline. In Sun Tzu’s mind the focus of a leader’s work is to create or maintain the “organization”. Essentially creating or positioning people within the strongest teams or hierarchical positions to achieve victory. The chain of command refers to the placement of effective managers, and subordinate team leaders who can lead these units. Finally, the logistics means the supplies to move an army. Within the context of a business perhaps the supply chain, or internal protocols that drive the systems.

The second entry I’ve quoted above follows the first entry above. It is the conclusion of the “five things”.  Earlier in the text For Sun Tzu describes the five areas a leader must master to win in war. He describes them as the way, the weather, the terrain, the leadership, and discipline. In Sun Tzu’s philosophy everyone has heard of these five guiding principles, as it assumed any who aspires to leadership as studied them. But, only those who strive to understand the deeper meanings of these five areas will come to “know” them, with victory determined by a leaders knowing or understanding of the five keys.