If equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him.
Hence, though an obstinate fight may be made by a small force, in the end it must be captured by the larger force.
Now the general is the bulwark of the State: if the bulwark is complete at all points, the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.
Editor’s note: The Jaguar E-Type, for the North American market, is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1975. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world.
Hence, though an obstinate fight may be made by a small force, in the end it must be captured by the larger force.
Now the general is the bulwark of the State: if the bulwark is complete at all points, the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.
Editor’s note: The Jaguar E-Type, for the North American market, is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1975. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world.
Weiliaozi says: “If the commander gives his orders with decision, the soldiers will not wait to hear them twice; if his moves are made without vacillation, the soldiers will not be in two minds about doing their duty”.
General Baden-Powell says, italicizing the words: “The secret of getting successful work out of your trained men lies in one nutshell— in the clearness of the instructions they receive.”
Assuming that clear instructions beget confidence, this is very much what Weiliaozi (loc. cit.) goes on to say: “the most fatal defect in a military leader is diffidence; the worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation
General Baden-Powell says, italicizing the words: “The secret of getting successful work out of your trained men lies in one nutshell— in the clearness of the instructions they receive.”
Assuming that clear instructions beget confidence, this is very much what Weiliaozi (loc. cit.) goes on to say: “the most fatal defect in a military leader is diffidence; the worst calamities that befall an army arise from hesitation
Of course managers should provide teaching, coaching and direction. But the powerful organization - the powerful society- is that which finds ways to encourage and harness the full creative potential of each individual, regardless of rank.