Mentor Advice

From The Art of War

When you are weak, appear strong. When you are strong, appear weak. But most importantly — never fight a battle you cannot win on the terms your opponent has chosen. If they have power and you do not, do not confront directly. Build alliances quietly. Document everything. Make yourself valuable to others who have influence. Be patient. The weaker force wins by refusing to engage on unfavorable ground. Choose when and where to make your stand. And remember: the greatest victory is winning without fighting at all.

From The Art of War

The general who wins makes many calculations before the battle. The general who loses makes few. But even the wisest general never has complete information. Here is what I teach: gather what intelligence you can, but set a deadline for decision. Waiting for certainty is itself a decision — often the wrong one. Act on the best information available, but remain flexible. The rigid tree breaks; the willow bends. Make your decision, then adapt as new information arrives.