The Victorious Leader

IV. Tactical Dispositions


15. Thus it is that in war the victorious strategist only seeks battle after the victory has been won, whereas he who is destined to defeat first fights and afterwards looks for victory.
16. The consummate leader cultivates the moral law, and strictly adheres to method and discipline; thus it is in his power to control success.


Once again we are reminded not to begin a project until after the victory is assured; that is, after we have created an excellent yet versatile plan, trained our people in their roles, and determined how to supply resources to the project. Without this preparation, one is far more likely to fail in one's efforts.

The best leaders repeat and explain the moral law - that is, the philosophy and logic of the organization and its foundational principles - frequently; it is made into a vital guideline for every activity and project the group undertakes. With this unifying principle firmly ingrained, the group is assured greater unity and order in everything they attempt.

The best leaders also adhere to the rules of the organization very strictly. It is vital that the right actions are rewarded consistently while the wrong actions are punished consistently. Stability and fairness in a leader produces great confidence from the followers, while disorder and prejudice invite calamity. Therefore, the leader should set out very clearly how things are to be done, what is not to be done, and what the consequences of each action will be. Rewarding ingenuity and resourcefulness invites more of the same, while punishing acts of malice and sloth prevents such from recurring.

The leader who masters these elements will surely gather a successful following.