The Seven Considerations

I. Laying Plans


12. Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:
13. 
     1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral Law?
     2) Which of the two generals has most ability?
     3) With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth?
     4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?
     5) Which army is the strongest?
     6) On which side are officers and men more highly trained?
     7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishments?
14. By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat.


Every group, no matter what the cause or structure, will face some form of conflict. For some, it may be between founding members or chiefs; for others it might be disagreement with an associated or superior group. In the case of student government, for example, one might experience rifts between President and Vice President or a conflict with the faculty or parent-teacher association. In such cases, one must be careful in choosing one's battles; Sun Tzu's basic strategy is among the best.

First, consider who has the moral authority in the specific case. This is most simple in matters of the law (for instance, gambling is illegal in several states; an organization that seeks to hold gambling nights has no moral authority over the police or the courts), less so in matters of ethics or policy. Whoever draws most heavily from the central principles of his organization and can enunciate them most clearly will certainly possess the Moral Authority.

Next, consider the ability of the leaders on both sides. Which one is more capable in open debate? Which one has superior planning capabilities? Which one is more versatile and ingenious? This consideration is very important, and more often than not, overlooked.

Third, consider which has the advantage of Heaven and Earth; that is, which one receives benefit from circumstances both outside and within his control. Is your proposition heavily dependent on specific weather conditions? Are you arguing your case in a position where the opponent cannot back down or is greatly supported? Are you asking for resources during a time of financial stress? Are you "fighting blind" while your opponent is well prepared? The one who is most secure in his position and best situated for the present environment has the advantage in Heaven and Earth.

Fourth, consider on which side is there more powerful discipline. Which side is more strongly united in its cause and leader? Which side is more deeply invested in the cause? Which side has the most structure and order? These considerations determine the ability of the organization to work together, thus measuring their power and skill as a unit.

Fifth, consider which group is stronger. This is not so much a factor of the leadership as it is of the individuals under authority. Which side works with the greatest unity and order? Which side has the most effective structure? Which side has the best-honed ability in whatever task is required? There is no organization without structure and ability in the lower ranks.

Sixth, consider which group is best trained. This best applies when dealing with a rival group or corporation. Which side has leaders who are skilled in all the arts of leadership? Which has officers who are very experienced and skilled in their particular office? Training tends to imply ability; the side with the most rigorous training will almost certainly be most well suited to the task at hand.

Finally, consider who has the greatest consistency in reward and punishment. Knowledge of sure consequences is a powerful motivator. When rewards are given for personal investment and labor, one is driven to invest himself in body and mind. When punishments are given for failing to adhere to the discipline of the group, fewer are willing to break the order. The side which deals most justly and swiftly according to clearly enunciated principles will be most strongly motivated in all things.

These considerations are important for every group, whether or not there is competition. It is useful to evaluate one's own group with these considerations, as they are the marks of excellence. Every so often, perhaps every few months, it is good to bring the whole group together and discuss how well it performs in these points.