Synergize: The “Art of War” by Sun Tzu, is often superficially viewed as an aggressive approach to victory. However, it is essentially a master text on “Conflict Management” and “Win-Win” scenarios. Again modern day programs such as Covey’s “7 habits” possess such precepts (“Win-Win”, habit 4 of Stephen Covey and “Synergize”, habit 6). Japanese models of partnering and distribution encompass these ideas.

S.W.O.T: Zen, “Art of War”, and book of change (Tao de Ching) are all about self-analysis and understanding. They allow one to understand yourself and your organization’s: strengths and weaknesses, and therefore how to synergize with others to achieve positive outcomes. These things have a direct correlation to Western company S.W.O.T review (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). A better understanding of how one can approach self and competitior analysis from an “Art of War” business perspective can be found at www.AppliedZen.com. Generally, in comparing authors dealings with Japanese workers and companies, to many Western organizations, it seems that Japan places more attention on understanding one’s own, and competitor’s, position before acting. Again this relates to setting out a strategic path before embarking on a journey rather than exploring options as you go. Again reflecting on Japanese actions with regard to modern Western corporate trainers, Stephen Covey has said, “begin with end in mind”(Habit 2 of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

Training: Continuing to train employee skills and undergo development both in-house and outside a company is essential. As ancient samurai saying says: “Continually sharpen sword or it will go blunt!” Generally Japanese are quite good about providing thorough in-house training for tasks and sales. However, compared to many Western companies, outside training to create new ideas is rare. On flip side, many Western companies (particularly smaller ones) are often a bit light with regards to in-house development.

Embracing Change: All above methods (old and new) are about changing base behavior, beliefs and approaches. These are core values, and are far more important than putting band-aids on problems, or approaching things with simply a behavior change. In regard to ancient philosophies, they of course must be interpreted, and applied, using case studies in a context that matches modern corporate world. Japan today is a very different place than preached by its ancient philosophical ideals. Japanese businesses and employees are generally not as good as West at embracing, or coping with change – one of few things in life which is inevitable. All people and cultures struggle with change and it is openness to it is subject of classic Chinese text “Tao de Ching”.

Etiquette: Many people at first glance take strategic approaches of “Art of War” to be aggressive. As outlined above Sun Tzu’s work is quite opposite - avoiding conflict and aggression is in fact thesis. Etiquette and humanity is absolutely built into all issues, and one obvious connection is value of partners, networking and not creating enemies. In Japan, depth of etiquette is very extreme which again provides a similar link to “Art of War” which has evolved over time.

This article only touches surface of a few of Sun Tzu’s strategies and lessons. It also eludes to some Japanese behavior in a generalized fashion (in any culture there are always exceptions). The study of Japanese corporate behavior relative to such Asian arts such as Zen and “Art of War” is a fascinating area of study with lessons that can be applied to doing better business in Asian environment, or in West. Copyright 2005.