We have often hear Sun Tzu referred to in relation to his great work The Art of War. But we forget his wise counsel in relation to leadership. Here is his advice reduced to its simplest form.

1. Timing and Speed – Once you decide what to do, when to do it, and how to do it ….. then act quickly and without hesitation.

2. Distance – Maintain the appropriate distance between yourself your followers, your employees, your employers, and your enemies.

3. Tenacity – once committed then follow the course of the action your choose with creative adaptive improvisation.

4. Audacity – To Risk is to lead….. this reminds me of Niccolò Machiavelli whose said “Fortuna always goes to the Bold.”

5. Guard against projecting Weakness – In such an environment the narcissists and timid try to take power. Take care not to listen to them and to protect yourself against them.

Wise words and it seems it boils down all of the truths of almost every study of leadership I have ever read!