Sun Tzu Art Of War Leadership: How To Gain Loyalty As A Leader?

Sun Tzu Art Of War Leadership: How Do You Gain Loyalty?

Sun Tzu Art Of War: Leadership for Managers

In Sun Tzu Art Of War, leadership qualities or style, Sun Tzu strongly advocates that the leader must first gain loyalty from his team before they can lead.

Loyalty comes with a price.

Nobody will be loyal only when there is something to gain.

Every human has a self-interest. Naturally, people are loyal to a person, a company, or a group when they have something to gain. 

A person's loyalty can come in many forms. It can be money, 

For example, some people consider money their highest form of loyalty. 

When paid a very high salary, they will be loyal. 

They will want to keep their job and not leave. 

It can also be Security, Recognition, Fame, Honor, a Relationship, Something to fight for, or anything worthy of loyalty. 

How do you gain loyalty as a leader from a person or group?

Assuming you are a leader in a company, you want to gain the loyalty of your team. Loyalty is not merely about compliance or obedience; it is about fostering a deep sense of commitment and trust that encourages team members to go above and beyond for the collective success of the organization.

Here is how you can gain loyalty.

The first step is to know your team. This means taking the time to understand each member’s individual motivations, aspirations, and needs. Identify what your team desires so that they will be loyal to you.

This could range from financial incentives, such as a competitive salary, to intangible benefits like recognition, career advancement opportunities, or a positive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Is it a big salary that drives them? Or perhaps they are looking for a stable, solid company that provides them with a sense of security and belonging?

Understanding these dynamics is crucial. You must identify what makes your team loyal, as this knowledge will serve as the foundation for building a strong relationship with them.

Once you know what it takes for them to be loyal, you can move on to the next crucial step, which is to convince the team that you can fulfill their needs. This is where the art of leadership truly comes into play.

Here are the steps to convince your team:

1. Assurance. This is done by assuring them you will fulfill their particular self-interest. Make it clear that you understand their needs and that you are committed to addressing them. This could involve regular one-on-one meetings to discuss their concerns and aspirations or creating a feedback loop where they feel heard and valued.

   
   

2. Confidence. Show your team that you have the wisdom, skill, and capability to be their leader. Share your vision for the team and the organization, and demonstrate that you have a well-thought-out plan to achieve these goals. Your confidence will inspire them to believe in your leadership and, in turn, in themselves.

   
   

3. Trust. Your team must believe that you will fulfill your promises. This means you not only need to make commitments but also consistently keep to your word. Building trust is a gradual process that requires transparency, accountability, and integrity in all your dealings.

Once you have earned their loyalty, you must maintain their loyalty. It is not enough to simply gain their trust; you must continuously work to keep the loyalty of your team.

This involves ongoing engagement, recognition of their contributions, and fostering an environment where they feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas.

Loyalty requires maintenance, constant assurance, and keeping your promises. Regularly check in with your team to gauge their satisfaction and address any emerging concerns.

Celebrate their successes, both big and small, and encourage a culture of mutual support and respect.

In Sun Tzu's Art of War, there are profound leadership insights that remain relevant to this day. One notable quote states,

Secure the loyalty of your army first before disciplining them, or else they will not be submissive.

This serves as a reminder for leaders in all industries: gaining loyalty is not an optional endeavor but a fundamental prerequisite for effective leadership and successful outcomes. Without loyalty, even the most capable leaders may struggle to implement their strategies effectively.

By securing the loyalty of their followers, leaders can ensure a more harmonious and productive environment where discipline can be administered in a manner that is constructive and embraced rather than resisted. In this way, loyalty becomes a powerful catalyst for achieving organizational goals and fostering a culture of excellence.

That is the Sun Tzu Art Of War for Leadership in Gaining Loyalty. Embrace these principles, and you will not only cultivate loyalty but also inspire a dedicated team that is willing to work together towards shared success.