- Victory is decided through preparation
- Understand the conditions of the playing field and the players. Sun Tzu identifies the following conditions which can be abstracted 12
- The moral conviction of the subordinates in upholding their superiors’ beliefs.
- The ability of the players in terms of strategy and tactics.
- Environmental factors (i.e., terrain, timing, etc.) that lead to an advantage or a disadvantage.
- The discipline of the subordinates. Such discipline must be enforced with consistency.
- The strength of the subordinates; the experience of the subordinates; their strength relative to the enemy.
- Be flexible. Adapt and account for circumstance and the strength of the enemy 3, and plan all the way to the end 4. Anticipate that the enemy is also planning against you.
- Preparation involves also being mindful of one’s own emotions and preconceptions 5
- Know yourself and know the enemy 67.
- Often situations call for sudden impromptu action. In such a case, little planning is done to seize an advantage 8. Consider in such a case that the sudden action will cost more, so perform it when it is decisive for victory. Hence, be prepared to meet the enemy.
- Have an adversarial mindset even when planning allegiances. Understand all parties involved before committing 910
“The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his not attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable”. 11