military history

Both Sun Tzu and Napoleon wrote about the important characteristics of an effective leader . What do the two have in common ? How do they differ

Sun Tzu wrote a book entitled the Art of War ' which was the first recorded book about leadership . The book explained five vital traits that a leader must possess which is intelligence , courage trustworthiness , care for his subordinates and discipline . His book classified a leadership called situational leadership . It deemed different actions to certain situations for a leader to handle . Even today , the 2500 year old strategies

that Sun Tzu indicated in the book are still being researched and used . Sun Tzu believed that everything is in cycle or the Yin and Yang

Napoleon was a great leader of France . He started out with his ill and undisciplined soldier and won the battles constantly . Napoleon believed in motivation . He encouraged everyone under his command from the highest ranking generals , aristocrats up to the lowest foot soldiers . He believed that innovative thinking is a trait that an effective leader should have . He proved his leadership skills when they won the fight in Egypt even though they were greatly outnumbered . His charisma and careful strategy was his main points of leadership

The similarities that could be inferred from them would be their belief that a leader should have intelligence , motivation and care for their subordinates . Sun Tzu and Napoleon believes that a brilliant strategy is a necessity for winning a battle . Sun Tzu once said know your...