"In battle, use both the direct and indirect methods to your advantage."

In battle or even in life, it's smart to use both straightforward and sneaky tactics to get ahead. Imagine you're playing chess. Sometimes you need to move your pieces directly towards the opponent's king, but other times, a distraction or a sneaky move on the side can catch them off guard. It's not just about brute force; it's about strategy and finesse.

This idea has roots way back in ancient military strategy. Sun Tzu, a famous Chinese general and philosopher, wrote about this in "The Art of War" around 500 BC. He stressed that winning battles isn't just about charging ahead with a big army. Sometimes, the best way to win is through clever maneuvers and deception. Think about it: if your enemy only expects a head-on attack, they won't be prepared for a surprise from the flank.

Take sports, for instance. In football (soccer for some), a team that always attacks straight up the middle of the field becomes predictable. Defenders quickly learn how to block these moves. But if the team sometimes plays wide, sending the ball to the wings before crossing it in, they create uncertainty. The defenders are left scrambling, unsure whether to guard the center or the sides. This mix of direct and indirect methods can lead to scoring opportunities that wouldn't exist if the team only played one way.

How can you apply this in your own life? Let's say you're working on a project at work, and you need buy-in from several stakeholders. You could approach each person directly, laying out all the facts and hoping they see things your way. That's the direct method. But what if you also employed a little subtlety? Maybe you influence a key person who others respect, and they advocate on your behalf. Or you present your idea in a way that aligns with the interests of different departments, making it harder for anyone to say no. By combining straightforward requests with strategic influence, you increase your chances of success.

Picture this: You're in high school, and you're trying to convince your parents to let you go on a weekend trip with friends. You could just ask outright, “Hey, can I go on this trip?” But they might worry about safety, cost, or other concerns. Instead, you also show them you’ve done your homework. You mention that your friend’s parents are chaperoning, the trip is affordable, and you've already saved up some money. You even offer to do extra chores to cover any additional costs. By mixing direct and indirect methods, you make it hard for them to say no. They see you’ve thought it through and addressed their concerns, even before they voiced them.

So, next time you face a challenge, think about using both direct and indirect approaches. Don't just charge ahead blindly. Take a moment to consider the angles, the subtle moves, the unexpected strategies that can give you an edge. Whether you're negotiating at work, dealing with family, or even just playing a game, a blend of straightforward and crafty tactics can help you succeed.