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1. Sun Tzu said: The control of a large force is the same principle as the
control of a few men: it is merely a question of dividing up their numbers.
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The principles of
control and direction are the same, no matter how large the force.
The way armies do this is through a strict hierarchy that divides
and subdivides, such that the lowest level fighting teams are quite
small. The same problem faces businesses: to be able to manage
size. Common problem include where the top becomes detached from the
front line, and where high-level strategy gets corrupted by the time
it reaches operational management. Perhaps industry could learn
something here from the military. |
| 2. Fighting with a large army under your command is nowise different from
fighting with a small one: it is merely a question of instituting signs and
signals. |
What is important is
that instructions reach the front line quickly. Hierarchies help
this as long as there are no blocks or distortion along the way. Signs and
signals are ways of communicating, including over distances. A
well-managed communications network can get information in both
directions, up and down the hierarchy, quickly and efficiently.
In business, communication up and down the hierarchy, let alone
with peers, is often cited as a problem, including in times of
change where misunderstanding of intent and realities can cause real
problems. |
