Leadership - Sun Tzu's view

Sun Tzu's The Art of War says: "Benevolence and righteousness may be used to govern a state but cannot be used to administer an army. Expediency and flexibility are used in administrating an army, but cannot be used in governing the state" Sun Tzu understood that leadership was contextual and situational. In this case, "context does matter".

What i can understand from this text is that Leadership Strategy can change to suit in the requirement at that time and place. Leaders must be able to manage "situational condition" in administrating the situation. There are also leadership tricks that can apply as and when required. For example, the leaders sometimes make constantly switch between extremes. They swung from staying macro, visionary and discussing strategy in deep, asking questions that enable him to plough through the details of the situation. That's what real leaders do - is to swing from one extreme to another and be able to handle both extremes well. Great leaders also knew exactly the process of empowerment and by doing so; it gives them the ability to use both extremes of leadership traits to the fullest extent. While Leaders gain respect from their subordinates, it’s also helps them to give command effectively when required.