35. It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order.

將軍之事靜以幽正以治

Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu is emphasizing the importance of maintaining secrecy and order in military operations.

To “be quiet” means to keep confidential information from being disclosed to others. This is important because in a military context, secrecy can give an advantage over the enemy by allowing the military to surprise them with unexpected actions or strategies.

To be “upright and just” means to be honest, fair, and righteous in one’s actions and decisions. In a military context, this is important because it helps to maintain discipline and cohesion within the ranks, as well as fostering respect and loyalty from the troops.

It is the responsibility of a business leader to be discreet and thus maintain confidentiality; ethical and fair, and thus maintain a positive corporate culture.

As a business leader, it is your responsibility to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information. This includes trade secrets and financial data, which can give your company a competitive advantage if kept secret. By being discreet and keeping this information confidential, you can prevent damage to the company’s reputation and protect its competitive edge.

In addition to maintaining confidentiality, it is also important for business leaders to be ethical and fair in their actions and decisions. This means being honest, transparent, and respectful towards employees, customers, and stakeholders. By behaving in this way, you can help to build trust and credibility within your organization, which is essential for long-term success.

A positive corporate culture is also critical for the success of a business. By being ethical and fair, you can help to create and maintain a culture that is respectful, collaborative, and inclusive. This not only benefits your employees and stakeholders, but also helps to attract and retain top talent, and can contribute to the overall sustainability and growth of your company.

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