Instructions

Growing up, I had the privilege of living in a household where most of the domestic work was done by a maid. Returning home recently, I met for the first time Sophani, a sweet and caring Cambodian woman who helps my parents with the cooking and cleaning. As it turns out she speaks hardly any English but she tries, and for that I have the deepest admiration. One day while watching someone attempt to deliver instructions in English, I was reminded of one of the oldest stories about Sun Tzu…

When he was a young man and still in the process of writing the Art of War,  Sun Tzu was presented to the King by the prime minister because he had heard great stories about his treaties. Wanting to see the Art in motion the King asked Sun Tzu for a demonstration.

“Will women suffice?” asked the King.

“As you wish.”

The King ordered 180 palace ladies to the courtyard where they were divided into two companies. The King’s two favourite concubines were appointed officers in charge of the companies and training commenced. Sun Tzu taught them how to handle light weapons and how to respond to drum beats: advancing, retreating and turning. When he believed that the instructions were clear and the ladies were well-practiced, Sun Tzu summoned the palace executioner and asked him to stand by with his sword. Just to be sure, Sun Tzu explained the instructions patiently and had the ladies practice several more times. He then ordered the drummer to sound the instruction to turn right. Immediately the ladies fell about giggling.

Sun Tzu drew his breath and exclaimed “If rules are not understood and orders are not clear, the commander is to blame”. He repeated his instructions and had them practice twice more and then ordered the drummer to sound “advance left”. Again, giggling.

Sun Tzu looked up at the King on the terrace and explained “When orders are clear but are not carried out, the officers are to blame”. Turning to the executioner, he gave orders to behead both company commanders.

The King was stunned and implored Sun Tzu to spare his concubines but Sun Tzu’s reply was simply that “I have been appointed commander, and a general in the field is not bound by orders from his sovereign.”

The two concubines were swiftly beheaded and two new concubines were appointed company commanders. The drummer now sounded instructions to turn left, right, advance and retreat and each instruction was carried out silently and quickly.

Sun Tzu now looked again at the King and announced: “Your troops are ready for inspection.”

If anyone is interested, ConsortiumWeb has vacancies for admin assistants and palace executioners.