Comprendre et appliquer Sun Tzu [Understanding and Applying Sun Tzu]

Although many books propose to apply the teachings of Sun Tzu’s famous Art of War to corporate strategy, the succinctness and clarity of this particular tome are quite exceptional. The introduction in particular is a remarkably precise summary of the principles implemented by the great Chinese philosopher. Even a rapid perusal is likely to shed new light on how to analyze strategic situations.
This book is divided into 19 chapters with intriguing titles, each devoted to a given strategic principle. Illustrative examples drawn from the business world are few and far between, but the recommendations are clever, sometimes counter-intuitive and provocative, such as the ultimate strategy described in the conclusion – retreat! Key passages can be found in chapters 1 (“Hide in the light”), 6 (“Strategy loves a vacuum”), 8 (“Winning in the shadows”), 15 (“Situational victory”), 16 (“Letting go in order to seize”), and 18 (“Fish rot head first”).