The Art o War - Looking out for the Small People

The Importance of the Lower Rankin Personnel
"In all fighting, the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect methods will be need in order to secure victory." CHAPTER 5-ENERGY. Verse 5
Never underestimate the importance of the lower ranking staff. They, for instance the clerical staff can let you know when the boss is free or even in a good mood. Most people forget that the secretaries or clerks are an important connection to the bosses. When I go around to meet bosses, I also say hello to their clerical staff. If I'm bringing a gift for the boss, I will try to bring a smaller one for his secretary. In this way when I need information on where her boss is, she can furnish me with that. This is also good if the person is really busy, you can find out where he goes for lunch and just "happen" to bump into him. One must also remember that most offices especially the government ones change bosses often but the secretary remains. So if you are close with her, she will put in good word for you with her new boss. This is what Sun Tzu calls "direct" and "indirect" warfare. The direct is with the boss. The indirect is the clerical staff.

The Importance of Well Rested Staff
Sun Tzu said: Whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the enemy, will be fresh for the fight; whoever is second in the field and has to hasten to battle will arrive exhausted. CHAPTER VI. WEAK POINTS AND STRONG. Verse 1
In any industry a well rested staff is good for productivity. Employees will be more focused in their jobs. In the hospitality industry that I am attached to, this saying is very important. Reason being is that if the staff is tired and worn out, they won't give their best to the customer. Tired people normally get irritated very fast. So if your staff is easily irritated, then a slightest can make them blow up. This staff is a walking time bomb as when a guest just says some thing wrong, they might lash out at the guest rudely. What I normally do is make here my staff is well rested before the busy season. Give your staff break before the busy period, so as they come to work refreshed.