How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Strong Enemy

Disciplines > Warfare > The Six Secret Teachings > 5.3 Strong Enemy

Teaching set  | Observed lessons | Discussion | See also

Teaching set

Leopard Secret Teachings 5.3 (45)

Observed lessons

• When surrounded and in enemy territory, fight rather than defend.
• Hit them in the front and rear at the same time with your best troops.
• Be clear about orders.

Discussion

Being attacked when deep in enemy territory can be alarming and lead to flight or otherwise being on the back foot. It takes organization and courage to attack an enemy that has many advantages. Yet a great benefit of this is surprise. When they feel they have significant advantage they will be relaxed and over-confident. When you attack with your best troops on all sides, they will be confused and fall into chaotic and uncoordinated defense.

The secrets of such reaction are organization and readiness. The same applies in business. When you are attacking a competitor, you may expect a confident and strong response. If you can find ways to use this to your advantage and do unexpected things then you can gain a permanent advantage.

See also

Defend or Attack

Sawyer, R.D. (1993). The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China, Basic Books