3 Review(s)

Discover how an ancient Chinese general laid down the tenets of leadership, strategies and business management in this adaptation of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War for Managers by Gerald A. Michaelson and Steven Michaelson. Summary of the Book There is a lot of trauma that the Twentieth Century could have avoided by heeding the advice of Sun Tzu. Purported to have been a general in the army of the King of Wu, Sun Tzu is assumed to be the author of the body of Chinese texts called The Art of War. In this text, he laid down the rules of warfare and strategies. He explained how war is merely an extension of the affairs of the state and that its sole purpose should be the Go-like acquisition of territories as opposed to the Western principles of warfare which followed a Chess-like philosophy: annihilation is better. Territorial acquisition, in the business world, would translate to acquisition of one’s competition and turning them into allies or subsidiaries. In a sense, there is no better book on management than Sun Tzu’s text. In this edition, two seasoned business executives explain how Sun Tzu’s principles can be applied to today’s world of cutthroat competition and boardroom battles. Managers will benefit from the principles of the book, which if followed religiously, will show them why Sun Tzu is considered to be the greatest general to have walked the Earth. About the Authors Sun Tzu was a Chinese military general, strategist and philosopher who is said to have lived in the Spring and Autumn Period of ancient China. His actual existence is the subject of much debate and speculation. Gerald Michaelson is an experienced business executive and trainer. He has taught the principles of business and the application of military strategies to it across the world. Steven Michaelson has also written Sun Tzu for Execution: How to Use the Art of War to Get Results. The writers have also collaborated on Sun Tzu for Success: How to Use the Art of War to Master Challenges and Accomplish the Important Goals in Your Life.