故曰明主慮之良將修之
Sun Tzu
In this quote, Sun Tzu is emphasizing the importance of careful planning and resource management in the context of leadership and military strategy.
An “enlightened ruler” is one who is wise and has a deep understanding of the situation at hand. Such a ruler is able to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, and therefore is able to lay out plans in advance in order to achieve their goals. Similarly, a “good general” is a skilled military leader who is able to effectively use the resources at their disposal in order to achieve their objectives.
By emphasizing the importance of careful planning and resource management, Sun Tzu is encouraging leaders to be proactive rather than reactive, and to think ahead in order to achieve their goals. This involves not only considering the immediate situation, but also anticipating potential future developments and taking steps to prepare for them. Overall, the quote suggests that successful leadership requires a combination of foresight, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking.
Hence the saying: The enlightened CEO lays out plans well in advance; the skilled manager cultivates their company's resources.
An “enlightened CEO” is one who is able to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, and therefore is able to lay out plans in advance in order to achieve their goals for the company. Similarly, a “skilled manager” is one who is able to effectively use the resources at their disposal, such as the company’s financial, human, and material resources, in order to achieve the company’s objectives. By emphasizing the importance of careful planning and resource management, the quote encourages business leaders to be proactive and to think ahead in order to achieve their goals.