The Art of Wars teaches Virtues of a Good Leader

The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, benevolence, discipline and courage. CHAPTER 1. LAYING PLANS Verse 9
 From the above verse you will see the five characteristics that are required by Sun Tzu in order to be a good general. Let's see how this is relevant to our daily life.

Wisdom
So what does wisdom mean to us managers? What this translates to is that managers must have the knowledge on how to run his/her operations. He doesn't need to know everything but he must be able to make wise decision quick and correctly most of the time. He must be able to learn from mistakes if he has made a wrong decision. He also must be able to create strategies and take advantage of rising opportunity and avoid unnecessary dangers. That is why I recommend to those college students that are coming out to the working life, to work as lower ranking personnel first for a few years, learn the ropes then only go for the management position that they studied for. By this way the staff won't be able to cheat you where work is concerned.

Sincerity 
The Importance of the Lower Rankin Personnel
Sincerity means that the manager must 'walk the talk'. He must show that he means business, he must lead by example. This will then create trust with his team members. As it has been shown throughout history, once a general has the trust of his army. He will then be able to unite his army against their enemies. This rule applies to managers as well. If a manager could not or do not reward for a job well done, it is unlikely that his team member would put in their best since they feel that they are not appreciated. Same thing for punishment, if certain rules are set out but team members who flout it are not punished, it would create chaos in the company's organization and structure.

Benevolence 
Benevolence is understanding, accommodating and loves for his team members. On how to take care of his army, Sun Tzu mentions it in Chapter 10. But one must remember that too much pampering will spoil the army, making them too comfortable, thus making them feel that they cannot be replaced. Therefore they can hold us for ransom. What is happening to the workforce nowadays is a fine example. They want more and more and if their request is not met they will go on strike. That is why the next virtue is important to balance the outcome.

Discipline 
Discipline is needed to balance the characteristic of benevolence. With discipline one must also be fair. Ensure that all your staff is given the same discipline standards and there is no favoritism. This will then show the staff you mean business. You, yourself must have great self-discipline, to set a good example to your army, gaining trust in the process as well.

Courage 
Courage as most of us may know is what great leaders have. He must be able to face dangers with his army. What would his army think of him if he is the first one to flee away from danger, leaving his army to face it instead? In life, the manager should be able to face any situation that comes. He shouldn't let his team handle the situation while he hides away in his office. That's where the first virtue comes in Wisdom. He should take responsibility for the mistakes that are made under his department because at the end of the day, he is responsible for what is going on in the department. He should have the courage to make unfavorable or unpopular decisions. If the manager lacks courage in making difficult decision, he would be leading his company to a 'slow death'. Because most of the time these unfavorable decisions can cause huge damage that is accumulated in the long run.