Sun Tzu's Philosophy - Strategies How To Climb The Corporate Ladder

Climbing the corporate ladder requires a strategy.

How, then, do you climb the corporate ladder? Let's discover Sun Tzu's philosophy from his "Art of War".

Many well-known corporate leaders and businesspeople secretly use Sun Tzu's philosophy from The Art of War to gain positions and influence.

When asked how they rose to such great heights in their career, many cannot give a definitive answer.

Not because they do not want to tell you how they rise the corporate ladder.

There are many possible ways how a corporate leader rises to the heavenly position of a CEO in a billion dollar company.

Being smart, intelligent, and hardworking alone does not guarantee you will rise the corporate ladder.

To climb and rise in the corporate world, much like in warfare, the renowned strategist and author of "The Art of War," Sun Tzu, quotes,

The Art of War is ruled by five heavenly factors to be appraised in one's actions when determining the situation of the field.

These are the 1) Politics, 2) Heaven, 3) Earth, 4) The Commander, 5) The Method.

When applying Sun Tzu's quote to climbing the corporate ladder, the five factors he mentioned are the ones you need to study and research to advance in your career.

Let's look at How To Climb The Corporate Ladder based on Sun Tzu's Philosophy

When determining your situation while climbing the corporate ladder, you have to look at the five factors I mentioned earlier. Assess them and study the situation, and then you will know how to rise in your corporate career.

You have to assess:

1. Heaven

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu considers "Heaven" as an element that lies beyond one's control, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to the circumstances that arise.

This concept serves as a reminder that while certain factors may be outside our influence, our ability to remain flexible and responsive to these conditions is crucial for success.

In the context of a corporate environment, "Heaven" covers various situations that can significantly impact an your career journey.

Some situations that can be considered as manifestations of "Heaven" include:

• The company is growing and expanding: When a business experiences growth, it often opens up new opportunities for employees. This expansion can lead to promotions, increased responsibilities, and the chance to work on innovative projects that can further enhance one's career.

  
  

• Strong economy: A thriving economy can increase the potential for salary raises and bonuses, as well as provide an opportunity to rise in the corporate ranks. Employees may find that their companies are more willing to invest in training and development during prosperous times, giving them the chance to get a promotion.

  
  

• Your boss moves up in rank, and you follow: Career advancement often comes from aligning oneself with influential leaders within the organization. When a superior is promoted, it can create a pathway for their team members to ascend as well, provided they have demonstrated their value and competence. Your boss's promotion is an event not within your control. When it happens, it gives rise to an opportunity to move up the corporate ladder. One who can balance work and politics can rise with their boss.

  
  

• Some crises happen that can be an opportunity: Unexpected challenges, such as a project in disarray or a sudden market shift, can present unique opportunities for individuals who are ready to step up. Being asked to handle a critical project during a crisis can showcase one's leadership abilities and lead to significant career advancement.

These are all opportunities that give you a chance to climb up the corporate ladder. Can you call this luck?

One can adjust and seize these opportunities when they occur.

2. Earth

For Sun Tzu, "Earth" symbolizes the terrain on which battles are fought, and in a corporate context, this translates to the importance of selecting the right environment in which to build a career.

The terrain can be understood as the organizational culture, structure, and market position of a company. Choosing the right company to work for is akin to selecting a favorable battlefield where one can leverage strengths and minimize weaknesses.

Furthermore, "Earth" also covers:

• Selecting the right career path: Identifying a career trajectory that aligns with personal strengths, market demand, and growth potential is essential for achieving long-term success. This involves strategic planning and foresight to navigate through various roles and responsibilities.

  
  

• Understanding the competitive landscape: Just as a general must know the terrain, employees should be aware of the industry trends and competitor actions that can affect their organization. This knowledge enables individuals to position themselves advantageously within their field.

3. The Executive

This element refers to the individual striving to rise in the ranks within an organization. It emphasizes that personal success is not solely dependent on external factors like company growth or favorable economic conditions; it heavily relies on one's wisdom, capabilities, and skills.

An executive must cultivate a diverse skill set, including technical expertise, emotional intelligence, and leadership qualities, to navigate the complexities of corporate life effectively.

Even if one finds themselves in the right company with abundant support for career progression, stagnation can occur if the individual lacks the necessary skills and leadership attributes. Continuous self-improvement and a commitment to professional development are essential to maintain momentum in one's career.

4. Politics

In Sun Tzu's philosophy, "Politics" refers to the ability to gain the support and allegiance of others, positioning oneself as a "ruler" whose followers are devoted to their cause.

This aspect is critical in climbing the corporate ladder, as political acumen can significantly influence one's career path. Building alliances, fostering relationships, and effectively communicating one's vision are vital components of navigating organizational politics.

Without political support, even the most talented person may find it challenging to rise through the ranks.

It is essential to cultivate a network of supporters who can vouch for your capabilities and contribute to your stability as a leader. Without such support, a person's position may remain unstable, which can hinder potential progress in climbing the corporate ladder.

5. The Method

To successfully climb the corporate ladder, one must employ the right methods.

For Sun Tzu, the term "method" consists of the processes and structures that govern management and operations within an organization.

This includes establishing efficient workflows, effective communication channels, and clear decision-making processes that enable teams to operate cohesively.

Additionally, it is crucial to focus on human resources, ensuring that the right talent is in place. This means not only hiring individuals with the appropriate skills but also strategically utilizing personnel at the right moments to maximize productivity and innovation.

Adopting a methodical approach to career development and organizational efficiency can significantly enhance one's prospects for success in the corporate world.

In conclusion

How one climbs the corporate ladder is very similar to the military ranks and file. Every advancement or decision requires a strategy.

Not having a strategy is like not having a plan for achieving one's goal.

Sun Tzu's philosophy is applied not just in military settings but also in corporate environments.

Let me leave you with Sun Tzu's advice on the importance of The Art of War,

The art of war is of vital importance to the State.

It is a situation of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. It is a subject of inquiry that needs to be studied carefully.

Discover more about Sun Tzu's The Art of War and how leaders use and apply Sun Tzu's philosophy in their careers, businesses, and lives.