Sun Tzu and the Art of Business

By: Mark McNeilly, Samuel B. Griffith - translator

Narrated by: Michael McConnohie

Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

More than two millennia ago the famous Chinese general Sun Tzu wrote the classic work on military strategy The Art of War. Now, in Sun Tzu and the Art of Business, Mark R. McNeilly shows how Sun Tzu's strategic principles can be successfully applied to modern business situations.

Here are really two books in one: McNeilly's synthesis of Sun Tzu's ideas into six strategic principles for the business executive, plus the entire text of Samuel B. Griffith's popular translation of The Art of War. Within, McNeilly explains how to gain market share without inciting competitive retaliation, how to attack a competitor's weak points, and how to maximize the power of market information for competitive advantage. He also demonstrates the value of speed, preparation, and secrecy in throwing the competition off-balance, employing strategy to beat the competition, and the need for character in successful leaders. In his final chapter, McNeilly presents a practical method to put Sun Tzu and The Art of Business into practice. By using modern examples throughout the book from GE, Microsoft, AT&T, BMW, Southwest Airlines, FedEx, and many others, he illustrates how, by following the wisdom of history's most respected strategist, executives can avoid the pitfalls of management fads and achieve lasting competitive advantage.

©2000 Mark R. McNeilly (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Good but not great

What did you like best about Sun Tzu and the Art of Business? What did you like least?

Much easier to translate into business scenarios than by just reading "The Art of War" itself.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Give more business example from more companies, and use both mom & pop size companies all the way up to G.E.

Which character – as performed by Michael McConnohie – was your favorite?

All equal

Could you see Sun Tzu and the Art of Business being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes as a short series 5 - 6 episodes, one on each chapter.

Any additional comments?

It was good, but could have been great if thought out better.

More of a history lesson

I guess I expected a more “how to apply” steps and strategies, but the author ties in the rules to a collection of historic events in war and business. There is still lots to learn from it, regardless.

Engaging and great examples!

This book was a good comparasion of the original book by Sun Tzu and how it related to business today. I really liked how the book gave prime examples of events and how they were applicable in today's world.

Must read for all businesses

By far this is the best interpretation of Sun Tzu and the art of war as it applies to business

I would strongly recommend anyone who is involved in business, from Sales to CEO, this is a must read.

Ancient yet valuable

I read the original book some years ago and this version is much more easier to understand and apply in business.

sucks

What disappointed you about Sun Tzu and the Art of Business?

It did not explain the principles of Sun Tzu

What could Mark McNeilly have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I expected the author to explain Sun Tzu principles and then cite examples of application of those principles in business. the examples picked were weak. I think he did not connect with audience like me who is frequently reading business and leadership books

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

I dropped listening to this book halfway through, it is not worth my time and totally a waste of my money. I wish they would refund my money or my credits