The Tao of Becoming a Strategist
The Basics of Becoming a Strategist
Part 2
This is a continuation of our series on The Tao of Becoming a Strategist and is dedicated to all those great minds that have contributed to the art and science of strategy.
The following is an "abridged" transcript of a 60-minute "Questions and Answers" session on the basics of being a strategist between two associates and myself.
This article is designed to be an overture to those who are interested in the art and science of Sun Tzu's strategic principles.
The following quotes are from Samuel B. Griffith's translation of Sun Tzu, The Art of War (my favorite book):
Q: What does Sun Tzu say about 'The Importance of Simplicity'?
A: "Now if the estimates made in the temple before hostilities indicates victory it is because calculations show one's strength to be superior to that of his enemy; if they indicate defeat, it is because calculations show that one is inferior… With many calculations, one can win; with few one cannot. How much less chance of victory has one who makes none at all! By this means I examine the situation and the outcome will be clearly apparent." (1:28)
Great simplicity is equal to "minimum effort + maximum output."
Q: How were you able to understand the Sun Tzu principles?
A: From my experience, most of Sun Tzu's strategic principles are easy to learn. Whatever concepts I may not understand, I would continue reading the content until the cause and effect of that concept can be visualized and understood.
Once my reading is completed, I would step outside of my reading and see how I would apply those principles in the real world from my professional work place to the political setting of where I live… The greatest challenge is setting an encompassing strategic framework based on my understanding of Sun Tzu's principles. I am constantly refining the geometric sequence of how Sun Tzu's principles should work in my professional life.
For those readers who cannot comprehend the distinction between strategy and tactics, here is a quick primer on strategy and tactics. Strategy is abstract. Tactics are concrete. Strategy is the theoretical plan of action designed to accomplish a specific goal, while tactics are the individual options used to meet certain situations that come from completing that particular objective. Strategy requires thought, while tactics require observation and action.
Q: What do people get out of studying strategy?
A: My colleagues and I see strategy as a way of life. With a good strategy, one can constantly prepare for most general life and professional situations.
The first challenge of developing a strategy is having the motivation to develop the strategy. ("The will to prepare is more important than the will to win.")
The next challenge is to achieve an unbiased and objective viewpoint of the way things are. I find it interesting for the strategist to change any preconceived ideas and beliefs about themselves and their opposition in order to complete their mission.
After a thorough session of proper strategy development, that person becomes more focused on where to channel their energies toward the specific target. Only then can proper action be taken.
I have always believed that a person with a good strategy can distinguish where he or she is in the grand scheme of things. Concurrently, he/she is always prepared for all of the possible situations that can occur. From my personal experience, situational preparation has allowed me to make decisions that enabled me to get from one strategic position to another without any loss of time and efficiency.
Strategy development can be described as a positive skill that allows one to locate the critical path of completing their task with the least amount of effort and confrontation. This approach is similar to the Tai Chi principle of "Using Four Ounces to Conquer a Thousand Pounds." Like anything else that skill takes time to develop and perfect.
Q: What are some of the challenges that a beginning strategist will encounter?
A: Not being experienced in starting a project from scratch. Not knowing themselves and the extent of the challenge. Worrying about not fully understanding Sun Tzu's principles. Operating with very little resources and a small and inexperienced logistics team. Trying to keep the team's morale up and their focus on the mission. Not having enough time to refine a strategic game plan. An inability to perform under pressure… Not keeping his/her mind on the game and the eye on the target.
Remember that being a good competitive strategist is all about fighting the good fight, finishing the mission in one piece, keeping faithful to their strategy, and learning from each strategic endeavor that one is directly and indirectly involved in.
Q: What do you look for when searching for a mentor in the area of strategy?
A: You want a mentor or a set of mentors who can explain the principles of strategy clearly and objectively, then emphasizes it by living it 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Part 1 of 2 (September / October 2002)
