Tactical Variation
War is constantly changing. The armies constantly change positions. There are always changes in terrain and maneuverability. There are baits placed and a certain amount of deception going on. The great leader will know how to make changes intelligently based on war fighting strategies. This knowledge comes with experience and might.
In business, a great leader will know how to make decisions in the face of uncertainty and changing economic climates. There are some leaders that know how to read markets well. They also know how to capitalize on changes in their competitors. Most of this decision making ability comes from great training and much experience. That is why most leaders of companies are very old. Corporations need people with much experience to know how to make correct decisions. Young executives may indeed be intelligent, but not have been around long enough to know how to make changes in a new climate. It is an art form that must be practiced.
The leader must be flexible. There is no magic formula that will work for every problem that comes down the pipeline. There are many serious problems that will require creativity, bravery, and moral law to be accomplished.
Great leaders are always revising their plans. They realize that as things change, they must change also. A weak leader will hold onto a plan forever and refuse to change even in the face of adversity. They erroneously believe that being strong is holding ground at all costs. When, in fact real strength comes from being able to change quickly as data supports.
Look for Advantage in the Face of Change
Sun Tzu said, “ If, on the other hand, in the midst of difficulties we are always ready to seize an advantage, we may extricate ourselves from misfortune.”
It makes sense that you should always look for an advantage. The fact is that a lot of companies innovate, in the beginning, and then become lazy as they are doing well. Their laziness will sometimes allow a smaller competitor to come in with a new innovation and create a real problem for the dominant firm.
While things change, look for an advantage that will lead you to victory.
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