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Sun Tzu says: “A general who accepts my advice should be employed for he is certain to gain victory. A general who rejects my advice will meet defeat, and should be dismissed. Once my beneficial advice is understood and followed, it will lay the foundation for the knowledge of war. Whenever any extraordinary problem arises, the knowledge gained will help to solve it. But this solid foundation should allow flexibility for one’s advantage.” 

We have come to the next stage: “Therefore, when laying your plans, compare the following elements, appraising them carefully: Which ruler possesses the moral law; whose commander is the most capable; which army obtains the advantages of heaven and earth; on which side are regulations and instructions carried out better; which army is the stronger; which has the better trained officers and men; and in which army is there certainty of rewards and punishments being dispensed ; I will be able to forecast which side will be victorious and which defeated.”

Having covered the five fundamental factors, let us reflect on Sun Tzu’s summary: “There is no general who is unfamiliar with these five matters. Those who master them will win; those who do not will fail.”

It’s so apt we have come to the fifth fundamental factor: “By doctrine, I mean the way the army is organized in its proper sub-divisions, the gradations of ranks among the officers, the maintenance of supply routes and the control of provisioning for the army.” 

Leadership’s importance led Sun Tzu to advocate the fourth fundamental factor: “By command, I mean the general’s stand for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, courage and strictness.”