#14 The Art of Strategic Surprise: Decoding Sun Tzu’s Tactics for Modern Minds

By “cannot be taught in advance”, I think of the relative ease for me to teach strategies to my “pupils” and for them to learn but not so easy for them to apply with total confidence of success. It is only in hindsight that we may know whether the strategies really work or not.

Still, let me teach the strategies of this passage.

When he has the advantageous position, prepare against him; when he is strong, avoid him

People naturally want an advantageous position held by others, e.g. well-paid jobs, a bigger car or house, or market leadership. To have them, we must prepare ourselves through acquiring information, skills, and funding, networking and even politicking for support to be strong enough to go for what we want.

If he is prone to choleric temper, irritate him

An executive was promoted over his senior colleague because he took advantage of the fellow’s quick temper. The cunning junior would frequently bait the hot-headed guy with seemingly innocent questions or remarks, especially in the presence of their boss. After several outbursts, it was concluded that the choleric bloke suffered stress and so be spared heavier responsibilities. When the boss was transferred out, he promoted the crafty junior.

Pretend weakness so that he may become arrogant

As told previously, pretending to be weak, meek, and sometimes even stupid, may play up the enemy’s ego. As his arrogance lulls him into a false sense of superiority and strength, he may disclose vital information or lower his guard for us to attain our objective.

If he is at ease, put him under a strain to wear him down

After I joined a company, a colleague felt threatened by my appointment. As he introduced me to our clients, he also used the pretext of entertaining them to encourage me to drink and gamble with them and even accompany them to look for call-girls. I knew he was hoping I would become alcoholic, get addicted to gambling or hooked on sex. Should I succumb, I would be under strain and not able to focus on my work.

When his forces are united, divide them

People may say “United we stand, divided we fall” but they still allow themselves to be divided. As disunity causes family businesses and nations to fail, guard against outsiders trying to instigate sibling against sibling or countrymen against countrymen. I hope Taiwanese will remember they are part of China and not allow outsiders to sow seeds of division which may result in Taiwan being used as a proxy for war to weaken the motherland.

Attack where he is unprepared

Earlier, I advocated avoiding the strong and preparing to match or even overtake them. The strong often lapse into complacency and unprepared for attacks. Nokia dominated its industry until its failure to innovate and adapt allowed competitors to overtake the unprepared cellular phone giant. Likewise, the USA’s unnecessary meddling in other nations’ affairs has eroded its leadership position, making it unprepared for China to catch up.

Appear where you are least expected

Quite similar to catching competitors by surprise except the emphasis here is on places. Pop up unexpectedly in the market. At the time when women’s hosiery was sold in departmental stores and specialty shops, Hanes Corporation created a brand called L’eggs with the stocking packaged in the shape of an egg. As it popped up in supermarkets and drugstores, its sales skyrocketed.