Sun Tzu for Women: The Art of War for Winning in Business

by Becky Sheetz-Runkle

For twenty-five centuries, men have used Sun Tzu's classic The Art of War as a guide to conflict. In recent years, it's been a guide to climbing the corporate ladder. But this book shows that there are more paths to winning than frontal assault. You can learn from the ancient Chinese strategist how to apply the feminine principle to the business world--and win every time. Whether it's relying on networking skills to win allies or maneuvering to gain a decisive advantage, the author shows through dozens of case studies from prominent women in business how to overcome the odds, defeat opponents, and forge successful careers. The tenets of Sun Tzu lend themselves to women's natural strengths in diplomacy and relationship-building. With this interpretation, you'll learn to leverage these valuable assets to trump your male colleagues every time.

Genres: Business, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2010

Reviews

[Farah Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book a couple of times. If you're an ambitious career woman, seeking out new challenges in your job, this book is for you. Packed with quotes and advice, it gives you an "indomitable spirit"

I recommend this book for the ambitious career ladies!!!

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the brain jog I got from reading this! the second part exclusive 'for women' felt easier to digest and more applicable into real life situations. Even if the parables in the book were more focused on women in office, I felt that it was easy to apply these principles in daily situations and a school environment (since I'm still in high school). Here are my most memorable take-aways from this book:
1. Appear weaker than you are when you are strong / appear stronger than you are when you are weak
2. Consider your resources and the surroundings before going into something, predicting if it is even worth it to do and if you will most likely fail
3. Preparation is super important
4. Deception: only tell others what you want them to know. don't overshare
5. Spies: Networking is crucial to keep yourself updated and to be able to know if the time is right to do something. Also opens up more possible opportunities and knowledge to take on something.
6. Know yourself and your enemies WELL. Exploit their weaknesses. This increases your chances of winning in life.
7. Management is different with leadership. Management: efficient distribution of tasks, logistics of a company, organizing a system. Leadership: ability to inspire, encourage and guide people through doing their tasks. Perhaps communication as well.
8. Weaknesses are just things you simply need to improve. Know your strengths and maximize them, learn to improve your weaknesses and make sure they are discreet.

[Cindy Brookshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked all the quotes from Sun Tzu and the "Battlefield Challenges" at the end of each chapter. My takeaway is that one needs to be continuously ready to face obstacles, and also be a life long learner.

[Aimee Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

It applies not only in business. Principles which can be applied in all aspect of life were thoroughly discussed in the perspective of a woman. Very thankful for this book, an eye-opener for me.

[Tengku Khadijah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sun Tzu for Women ni tak banyak pun beza dengan Sun Tzu for Success yang ditulis oleh Gerald Michaelson dan Steven Michaelson. Bezanya, adik-beradik Michaelson mengulas aplikasi Sun Tzu Art of War ni secara umum dalam pengurusan kehidupan seharian. Tetapi Becky Sheetz-Runkle lebih memfokuskan aplikasi Sun Tzu Art of War tersebut bagi wanita yang bekerjaya.

Terdapat 17 bab dalam buku ini termasuk satu bab pengenalan. 16 bab yang lain mengulas kemahiran dan peribadi yang perlu dimiliki oleh wanita bagi mencapai kejayaan dalam kerjaya mereka. Setiap bab dimulakan dengan penyataan masalah yang sering dihadapi oleh wanita berkaitan peribadi tersebut. Seterusnya huraian cara Sun Tzu Art of War itu perlu diaplikasikan. Turut disertakan kisah-kisah wanita yang boleh dijadikan inspirasi pada pengakhiran setiap bab.

"Teams are most effective when people are utilized to their maximum potential, led well, and have their needs met. This takes understanding of the people who are fighting for you. To follow Sun Tzu's direction, be attentive to your team, ensure that the right people are in the right positions, and be sure leadership demonstrates their high regard for talent. Demonstrate your care for your people and they'll demonstrate their loyalty when it matters most."

[Tricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd actually rank this a 2.5. A bit repetitive and doesn't dive terribly deep into the concepts. But I did glean some good ideas/insights from a few of the chapters and real-life examples.