Introduction
The ancient wisdom embedded in Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” transcends time, offering invaluable lessons in leadership, conflict resolution, and strategy in various aspects of modern life, including the dynamic landscape of Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management (SEEM). This timeless piece of literature lends itself as a powerful toolkit, providing a roadmap for becoming a sage commander—a leader who epitomizes wisdom, sincerity, courage, and discipline. This essay explores the concepts delineated in “The Art of War,” particularly focusing on the qualities of a sage commander and their application in the SEEM industry. By integrating personal experiences from my academic journey at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), this reflection paper aims to shed light on how we can navigate personal and professional challenges using Sun Tzu’s profound wisdom.
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Are Sage Commanders Born Extraordinary or Are They Trained?
Sun Tzu proposes that leadership skills are not inherently born but rather developed through experience and training (Tzu, 2018). Therefore, it is through education and practice that one becomes a sage commander. This resonates with my personal experience at Johnson & Wales University (JWU), where I have been challenged and groomed to become a better leader.
Becoming a Sage Commander and the Exercise of Leadership Qualities
According to Sun Tzu, a sage commander should possess virtues such as wisdom, humanity, sincerity, courage, and discipline (Tzu, 2018). In my academic journey, I have endeavored to embody these qualities. At JWU, I have engaged in numerous group activities that have offered me the opportunity to demonstrate my leadership skills while also learning from my peers.
Sage Commander Qualities in the SEEM Industry
In the SEEM industry, the qualities of a sage commander that are most valuable include adaptability, foresight, and innovative thinking (Chen, 2020). The entertainment industry is characterized by rapid changes and unpredictable events; therefore, a leader needs to adapt swiftly to remain competitive.
The Role of JWU Education in Preparing Leaders for the SEEM Industry
JWU’s curriculum has equipped me with the necessary skills to become a leader within the SEEM industry. Through interactive learning experiences, academic programs, and extracurricular activities, I have been challenged to develop leadership skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, all of which align with Sun Tzu’s principles of leadership.
The Contemplative Approach to “The Art of War”
The contemplative approach to reading and understanding The Art of War involves thoughtful and deliberate meditation on its principles (Huang, 2017). This includes careful reflection and introspection on how to apply these concepts in a practical context. This approach has helped me understand the depth and breadth of Sun Tzu’s principles, as well as how to apply them in my personal and professional life.
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The Relationship Between Trusting and Shaping the World
Trust is a fundamental tenet of Sun Tzu’s philosophy, a necessary attribute for those wishing to shape the world. To earn trust, a leader must demonstrate integrity and dependability (McNeilly, 2018). The distinct difference in this relationship lies in the interplay between passive trust and active leadership. I recognize that, as a future leader in the SEEM industry, I need to earn the trust of my team and use it to foster a conducive environment for growth and innovation.
Present Chaos in the SEEM Industry
The current COVID-19 pandemic represents a form of “chaos” in the SEEM industry. Events have been canceled, and entertainment venues have been shuttered, leading to substantial financial losses (Smith, 2021).
Leadership and Negotiation Tactics to Reduce Chaos
Leaders in the SEEM industry have adopted several strategies to mitigate this chaos, including transitioning to virtual platforms for events and concerts, implementing stringent health and safety measures, and negotiating with governments for financial assistance (Smith, 2021).
The Impact of These Actions on Chaos
These measures have had a mixed impact on the industry. While some actions, such as the shift to virtual events, have opened new avenues for revenue, others, such as the implementation of stringent health protocols, have added to the financial strain on businesses. Therefore, the actions have both resolved and exacerbated the situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s Art of War offers profound insights into the dynamics of leadership and conflict resolution, applicable in various contexts, including the SEEM industry. By applying the sage commander’s qualities, such as adaptability, foresight, and innovative thinking, leaders can navigate the challenges of the modern world.
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References
Chen, P. (2020). Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and Leadership. International Journal of Business Administration, 11(1), 45–51.
Huang, Y. (2017). The contemplative approach to The Art of War. Chinese Studies, 6(3), 245-253.
McNeilly, M. R. (2018). Sun Tzu and the Art of Business: Six Strategic Principles for Managers. Oxford University Press.
Smith, J. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 on the SEEM industry. Journal of Business and Management, 17(2), 35-45.
Tzu, S. (2018). The Art of War. Shambhala Publications.