Sun Tzu on Managing People

There's a rather gruesome story of Sun Tzu’s service to Ho Lu, the King of Wu, which preface some versions of Sun Tzu's Art of War.

Ho Lu had just read Sun Tzu’s 13 chapters and was keen to see if his ideas on warrior training could be applied universally. Sun Tzu assured him they could. “Women, too?” the King asked. “Yes” replied Sun Tzu.

Ho Lu asks for the 180 women who live in his palace to be brought outside, where it is agreed that Sun Tzu will train them in military drill.

Sun Tzu divides them into two companies. Though they seem intelligent, the girls do not take it too seriously and are soon in fits of laughter at the manly drill they are asked to perform.

He tries to give more orders, but there is no discipline in the ranks. At this point, Sun Tzu gravely states:

“If words of command are not clear and distinct, the general is to blame. But if his orders are clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers.”

At this, he orders the leaders of each company, the king’s favourite young concubines, to be beheaded.

The shocked king tries to protest, but Sun Tzu refuses, noting that he has been commissioned to train the king’s forces as he sees fit, and is simply carrying out that charge.

Sun Tzu takes the next women in line and makes them the platoon leaders. This time, however, the fearful women perform the drill perfectly and without a sound. Lesson learned.

Sun Tzu now informs the king that his ‘soldiers’ are ready for action, and will do anything asked of them. The awestruck Ho Lu appoints Sun Tzu as his general, who goes on to win many great victories for his client.