30. Asked if an army can be made to imitate the shuai-jan, I should answer, Yes. For the men of Wu and the men of Yüeh are enemies; yet if they are crossing a river in the same boat and are caught by a storm, they will come to each other’s assistance just as the left hand helps the right.

敢問兵可使如率然乎曰可夫吳人與越人相惡也當其同舟而濟遇風其相救也如左右手

Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu refers to the idea that even enemies can unite and work together towards a common goal when faced with a crisis or challenge. The metaphor of the left hand helping the right hand suggests that in times of need, people will instinctively work together and support each other, regardless of their differences or conflicts. Sun Tzu is saying that it is possible to unite and coordinate the efforts of an army in the same way, even if the soldiers come from different backgrounds or have different allegiances.

Even if two companies are in competition with each other, they can still work together effectively when faced with a crisis or challenge. Just like the left hand helps the right hand, these companies can set aside their differences and support each other in order to overcome a common obstacle.

When faced with a crisis or challenge, even two companies that are in competition with each other can come together and work effectively. By putting aside their differences and supporting each other, these companies can find a way to overcome the obstacle at hand, just as the left hand helps the right hand. It is possible for two competing companies to unite and coordinate their efforts towards a common goal, even if they have traditionally been adversaries.

There are various ways in which two competing companies can come together to solve problems that are common to both of them. One way is through collaboration and partnerships. When two companies join forces and pool their resources, they can often find more effective and efficient solutions to problems that they might not have been able to tackle individually.

For example, two companies in the same industry might collaborate on research and development projects to create new products or technologies that would benefit both businesses. This type of collaboration can lead to cost savings and increased innovation, as the companies can share the burden of funding and the risks associated with research and development.

Another way in which competing companies can work together is through information sharing. In some cases, companies may be willing to share important data or insights with each other in order to better understand and solve a particular problem. This could be especially useful in industries where access to certain types of information is limited or costly, and where sharing that information could lead to significant benefits for both companies.

Overall, it is important for companies to recognize that they can sometimes achieve more by working together than by trying to go it alone. By setting aside their competitive instincts and focusing on common goals, two companies can find creative and mutually beneficial ways to solve problems and achieve success.

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