When faced with an impossible situation, you may draw inspiration from any of principles used by him.

You may choose to put them through fire and water and they will not disobey”. Then the General turned to the King and said, “Your majesty, your troops are ready for inspection. This time the drill was performed in perfect discipline and precision. Thereafter he again started to command the women. Saying this he beheaded the two concubines. Sun Tzu said, “Having received the sovereign’s commission to take charge and direct troops, there are certain orders I cannot accept”. The king did not desire his favourite concubines to be beheaded. The king, who was watching, sent down a message that he was satisfied with the general’s abilities to manage the troops. Saying this he ordered the officers to be beheaded. Sun Tzu then said, “If the commands are clear, but the orders not followed, then the officers are at fault. Sun Tzu said aloud, “If the instructions are not clear and not understood, then the General is to blame.” He then continued and repeated the orders carefully. To this the women suddenly burst out laughing. The drums sounded and Sun Tzu loudly commanded “Right turn”. He told that they would be given certain commands (moving – back, front, left, right) which they should obey. The Kings favourite concubines were heading the two groups.All the women were given spears to hold in their hand. Sun Tzu asked them to stand in two groups.

Once, the King of Wu asked Sun Tzu to prove his theory of managing soldiers on 180 women. Legend had it that, whichever army Sun Tzu advised never lost.

Sun zhus the art of war 3 principles