Military theorists, most notably Sun Tzu focused on the benefits of deception to shock and surprise your opponent. Unfortunately, most business leaders ignore this technique as the daily requirements of Wall St. requires a short-term perspective and pressure to share to plans publicly. Unfortunately, this short-term mindset prevents leaders from using many effective ways to outmaneuver competitors.
Sun Tzu and his Art of War is a great resource for military and business strategists. Sun Tzu noted that all warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable, when using our forces, we must seem inactive, when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away, when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
This episode will review four key military campaigns that demonstrate the effectiveness of deception and surprise. These examples are great models for business leaders to adapt similar strategies and tactics to outmaneuver competitors and continually wow customers.
Show notes (with time stamps)
Introduction: 00:00 – 04:15
Operation Fortitude: 04:19 - 10:25
Invasion of Incheon: 10:29 - 16:09
Israel’s Six Day War: 16:13 - 20:21
The Left Hook: 20:26 - 28:23
Conclusion: 28:26 - 32:58
Music
Artist: Scott Holmes
Album: Road Trip
Track: Indie Rock
References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-Day_War
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Quicksilver_(deception_plan)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Fortitude
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Inchon
https://www.thoughtco.com/pusan-perimeter-invasion-incheon-map-195746
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War
https://www.thebalancecareers.com/desert-shield-desert-storm-basic-timeline-3357157
https://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/the-gulf-war-25-year-anniversary/deception
https://medium.com/@DianeLeighMaye/history-s-last-left-hook-4711b1768cdd
https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/gulf-war-20th-logistics-marvels-made-the-left-hook-work/
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-gulf-war-victory-that-never-was