The “missions” of the business battlefield are not dissimilar from actual military battlefields… establishing the desired end state, describing and assigning the necessary tasks, designing and task-organizing the unit to best support mission accomplishment, assembling and developing the team, and achieving operational unity of effort via timely and precise communications.

The risks associated with both battlefields are similar as well. It is almost inevitable that soldiers may die or become wounded in combat and their units may suffer loss. Likewise, a company may fail and place the livelihoods and welfare its employees at great risk. While this does not bring forth the physical risks associated with war, business failures are personally damaging and the negative effects are lasting.

The Art of War, like most other fields of study or practical professions is rooted in a doctrine, a set of principles referred to as The Principles of War, which include Objective, Offensive, Mass, Economy of Force, Maneuver, Unity of Command, Security, Surprise, and Simplicity.

These principles were codified by Carl Von Clausewitz, a Prussian who fought in the Russian Army in the early 19th century against Napoleon. They remain relevant on the modern battlefield and are still used by military leaders to guide and shape the planning and execution of combat operations.

This book contains examples of how each principle has been successfully applied in both military and business environments, and it will enable business leaders to quickly and effectively apply The Principles of War in their own planning and operations.