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

Testing Enemy General

Disciplines > Warfare > Wu Zi's Art of War > Testing Enemy General

Chapter | Observed lessons | Discussion | See also

Chapter

Second part : 4 : 5

Observed lessons

• A way to understand an enemy's leader is to send in some light shock troops as a test of their response.
• When the shock troops retreat, watch how the enemy acts. A wise leader is indicated by:
  • Troops moving and stopping together and otherwise showing discipline.
  • Pursuing and feigning being unable to catch up.
  • Pretending not to realize an easy gain.
• On the other hand, an unwise leader is indicated by:
  • Troops that approach yelling and screaming.
  • Movement in disarray and with little discipline.
  • Weapons are not held or used properly.
  • Wild pursuit, as if they fear not catching you.
  • Being afraid to take a perceived advantage.

Discussion

How troops behave reflects how they are trained and managed by officers. How officers train and manage their troops reflect how they are directed by the overall leader. How people behave in general can be seen as culture. When culture becomes ingrained it is very difficult to change.

See also

Leadership

http://www.chinese-wiki.com/Wu_Zi_Art_of_War