Sun Tzu and the Art of Business

Outline

Sun Tzu and the Art of Business (1996) applies the ideas of The Art of War to modern competition. Mark R. McNeilly turns Sun Tzu’s teachings into six strategic principles, including winning without destroying the market, attacking a competitor’s weaknesses, using speed and preparation, and leading by example. With business case studies, the book shows how ancient strategy can guide today’s managers.

• The book turns Sun Tzu's The Art of War into six strategic principles for modern business competition.
• One principle is to win without destroying the market you compete in.
• Another is to attack a competitor's weaknesses rather than meet its strengths head on.
• Speed and thorough preparation are treated as core sources of competitive advantage.
• Leading by example is presented as part of strategy, and business case studies show how these ideas play out.

Mark R. McNeilly is an American business strategist, marketing executive, and author. He has worked in strategy and marketing at major companies and has taught marketing at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. His books apply classic strategic thinking to business and include Sun Tzu and the Art of Business and Sun Tzu and the Art of Modern Warfare.