Applying the Chess Metaphor to Everyday Life

Following is an update of a previous post.

There are those who described their role in life with the metaphor of western chess. 

The Roles 

The pawns and the knights are those who preferred to be involved in the action of the situation.   While the pawns are usually mono-focused in their specialty, the knights are just pawns who possessed more skills and a greater range of influence.   The professional life cycles of the pawns are usually quite limited.

...  Then, there are those who have the proclivity to advise and suggested ideas and plans without ever getting their hands dirty.  They specialized in their process of the grand overview and overseeing their terrain within their limited sphere of influence.  This group of specialists can be categorized as bishops.  Securing and maintaining "The Bishop position" with the right "colored" team could be quite rewarding.  Situation matters

The rooks usually possessed the arcane knowledge and quietly observing the field view from the corner. Besides protecting the king's blindspot, he or she usually enters into the competitive field, during the middle game or the endgame.  Once the rooks are unified, their range of influence are usually greater than the other pieces.  In some instances, they are considered the secret weapons of the last resort. 

In life, the bishops sometimes managed the Rooks behind the scenes while the Rooks planned the campaigns and supervised the Knights and the Pawns.

The king and the queen are usually those who belong to the upper tier and possessed the greatest range of "strategic" influence.  In some situations, they are familiarized with the operational side of their numerous ventures.

While the King and Pawns endgames are one of the most difficult skills to master, staying even or ahead of the chaos during the transition from the middle game to the end game. Do not get accidentally isolated. 

Regardless of the role, the competitive player always remains in the game. But the successful strategist always know when to leave the game.

The Shakespeare's View
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
-  William Shakespeare's As You Like It

The masses possessed portions of the required aptitude and the behavior of each chess piece. Occasionally, there are some who have the integrated skills the behavior of the various other pieces.  Whether he or she ever gets the opportunity to participate at that competitive level is another topic.

In our competitive economy, what strategic role do you play?

                                                              

                          The Compass View

While protecting the welfare of the king is the name is the game, the field players who cannot see the Big Tangible Picture, are usually pawned.  ... 

In summary, this is the outcome of extreme competition.

Comments From the Compass Desk 

This metaphor usually appears quite subtle in a predictable setting. It does not matter if one plays the game of chess.  Knowing the configuration of the situation and beyond is what counts.

Regardless of the grand situation and the values, the product of the pieces is greater than the sum of the pieces.  Situation matters.  To understand the previous point, one must focus on understanding their methodology of assessing  their Big Tangible Picture (BTP).

In our case, we preferred the integrated use of the metaphors of Go (Weiqi), Western chess, Chinese chess and a few other unique metaphors.  Why? The configuration of the situation usually determines what tactical approach to use.    ... You do know how to choose your approach and how to frame your decision.  . . .  Do you?  

Succeeding and Profiting Through the Process of Assessing, Positioning and Influencing (The SF Niners Style)

This post is an updated version of a previous entry on the San Francisco kicker.  

Throughout the past football season. some of us followed  Phil Dawson's progress. (Side note: The others are New England Patriots fans.)

In early December, Dawson was responsible for the final score against Seattle and named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his four-field-goal performance. 

After that game, Phil Dawson,was named the NFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week again against the Phoenix Cardinals.  ...  He centered himself and kicked the winning field goal again.

The head coach thought quite highly of his performance. Statistically, his scoring record was greater than the quarterback.

A few months later, The San Francisco Forty Niners re-signed him for another season for his previous season successes.

The 2013 Post

Everyone prepares for a competitive situation in their own way.  Some mediates. Others either talk and wait or practice their tactical routines.  Phil Dawson of the San Francisco Forty Niners strategizes his next game time situation by studying the weather reports and practices his kicks.

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Dawson, 38, routinely mines data from Weather.com, AccuWeather.com and WeatherBug.com.

“I’m pretty psycho, I’ve got to admit,” he said. “It’s a borderline problem.”

Dawson’s history in wind, sleet and horizontal-blowing snow became relevant when he signed with the 49ers in March. Dawson’s new home stadium, Candlestick Park, is known for its swirling winds that mess with field-goal attempts, and kickers’ heads.

But Dawson has been there. Endured that. He’s played 204 of his 215 career games outdoors, with 108 coming at the Browns stadium, which is perched on the shores of blustery Lake Erie.

Dawson has played 12 percent of his career games in Cleveland in December. The average forecast for the city in the final month of the year: High of 30.9 degrees with 12-mile-per-hour winds and .38 inches of snow fall (that’s from climate-zone.com, Phil).

... Despite consistently weathering less-than-ideal conditions, Dawson ranks ninth in NFL history in field-goal percentage (84.0) and third in percentage from 50-plus yards (70.6). Seventeen months removed from his 40th birthday, he’s improving with age: He ranked second in the NFL in field-goal percentage (93.5) in 2012 en route to his first Pro Bowl and has drilled 14 of 15 attempts from 50-plus yards since 2011.

The 49ers believe they’ve upgraded after six-time Pro Bowler David Akers, 38, who was cut in March, endured his worst season in 2012. Dawson has missed 14 attempts (93 of 107) since 2009, one more than Akers missed in last year’s final 14 regular-season games.

Given his sustained success, Dawson is optimistic he can handle the inevitable surprises during the 49ers’ final season at The Stick.

PHILD“I think those experiences can only help, but they’re no guarantee,” Dawson said. “So I’ve still got to put the work in. I’ve got to wear out Weather.com like I always do trying to figure out hourly forecasts and wind directions. Has it rained that week? Is the field going to be soft? Is it going to be firm? All that kind of stuff. I’ve got to do my homework.”

Dawson did some advance Stick scouting in the offseason, visiting the stadium several times to get more acquainted after only playing two career games in San Francisco. In 2003, Dawson missed his only attempt, a 48-yarder, at Candlestick. In 2011, he made his only kick, a 52-yarder. Not surprisingly, Dawson recalls that he kicked in ideal conditions during his previous visits to the stadium.

“The weather’s been perfect,” Dawson said. “I’m still holding out hope that I’m bringing that with me. Lord knows I’ve played in rough stuff elsewhere.”

Dawson has also endured rough seasons, from a team perspective. He’s appeared in just one postseason game and the 49ers’ recent success was alluring when he weighed his free-agent options.

Now, the weather wonk who has kicked in all elements is eager to experience playoff conditions for the first time since 2003.

“I’m more looking forward now to kicks that are more team-centered, rather than personal accomplishments,” Dawson said. “It’s been communicated to me that’s why I’m here.”

The full post may be read here. Click here for another view of this story

Assessing the Process of Phil Dawson 
On the field, Mr. Dawson operates without any gadget. His research already told him what would the weather be at that game day and at that specific time. Dawson knows the direction and the momentum of the wind at any part of the football field at any specific moment during the game and methodically follows his sequence of "readiness to implementation" with no hesitation.

Assess
He assesses by intuitively focusing on the range, the wind direction, the wind speed (by looking at the flags), the temperature, and humidity. 

Position
The first step of Positioning is the maneuvering toward the right place where Dawson begins the process of visualization while synchronizing his breathing with the projected execution. He then pre-positions his kick to the ready position while being mindful of the wind direction and the location of the yellow-colored goal posts.

Influence
This step begins when he scores the field goal and after the play is over. His team becomes more confident with him. In a climate-challenging situation, they know that there is a positive chance that he will score the field goal.

Influence always comes from a well-honed assessment and well-planned positioning.  Execute the influence is the endpoint of the process

To an outsider, it looks simple. But, Mr. Dawson have spent many hours, preparing himself for all types of complex-driven competitive situation. But nothing is ever simple especially in a highly stressed, high reward situation where there are other multi-components that also allowed the kick to be effective.

The Questions of the Day
Regardless of the situation, do you assess, position and influence your strategic situation with a script?

Like Phil Dawson, are you willing to spend the time assessing the specifics of your situations or bonding with your teammates?

Remember, victory love preparation. 

The Compass Approach to 
Maneuvering and Prevailing 
in a Complex Situation

Compass Rule: The time that it takes to assess, and position is inversely proportionally to that the time it takes to influence.

By realizing the complexity, the risk, the uncertainty and the volatility of a given situation, the successful strategists take their time to assess their situation systemically.  After a few sessions of intense preparation, the practice of implementing the "assess, position and influence" steps becomes automatic in a "real-time" competitive situation. 

The process model of Assessing, Positioning and Influencing requires absolute act of planning, preparation and practice.  Do you have the time, the discipline and the drive to do that?

From our experience, assessing, positioning and influencing through a script enables the implementer to become psychologically methodological. With practice, one could becomes subtle in one's own action. 

Some More Questions 
Do you ever methodically assess the targeted terrain before implementing your action? 

Do you make selective assessment a daily habit?   

Side note: The key to building this habit begins with the act of centering.

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Understanding the Big Tangible Picture by Connecting the Relevant Dots from the Art of War (1)

The Compass Chart

updated at 18:18 hrs

Introduction

Pseudo gurus usually possessed a difficult time, understanding how to use the Art of War principles in a systematic way.  Some usually choose a few quotes to motivate their flocks of lambs.  Others just use a quote or two as an approach to completing their intended venture.

Does that strategic approach work in a complex setting?

Many years ago, we researched that the most effective approach to understanding the strategic state of the Big Tangible Picture is to study the grand overview of a situation in terms of the Five Critical Strategic Factors (CSF) and then connecting the tactical factors to  .. It is that simple. 

Step 1 Defining the Strategic Configuration of the Big Tangible Picture (The "Ji" of one's settings)

Understanding the state of competitiveness within a situation and how the five critical strategic factors connect to it, is the general approach.   Does it sound easy?

Comparing and contrasting the strategic specifics is what most chief decision makers do. However, it does not tell them whether the deception factor prevails within their concept of the Big Tangible Picture and whether the act of technical manipulation could be executed.

Based on the depthness of the collected information, the chief decision maker could conclude on the objective and the tactic. Based on the quality of the information, does he/she trust it?

From the field level, the expediters usually relied on their experience, sometimes go with their gut instinct and improvise from situation to situation, with no idea of what is ahead.   Some succeed. Others fail.

What is the probability of being a victim of disinformation, especially in a complex situation?

The Compass Model: The Compass Chart

Finding a singularity in a competitive situation, that results in an advantageous gain begins by proper strategic assessment. 

Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful.  

- George E. P. Box 

Specifically, we preferred to assess the overall situation in terms of the following qualities:

• the matrix of the connectivity behind the configuration of the situation; 
• the cyclical stage of the momentum-based situation;
• the transitional state of the situation;
• the leadership effectiveness of the chief decision makers (CDM); and  
• the efficacy of the CDM's logistics.

More to come

Applying the Essence of the Dao De Jing in One's Mindfulness Session

Whether you are practicing yoga or reading the Wall Street Journal, it is difficult to stay focused on that act without being distracted.  Most people are not able to function in solitude. They also feel that they needed to be energized 24/7 regardless of the situation.

Some are energized through the consummation of alcohol or food.  Others do it through physical activities. We do it through a combination of our version of scripting and the practice of Baguazhang or Yiquan before drinking our first cup of tea.

As one matures, the appreciation of serenity becomes a luxury. Having the skill of quietude is rare.

Without stirring abroad

One can know the whole world;
Without looking out the window
One can see the way of heaven.
The further one goes
The less one knows.
Therefore the sage knows without having to stir,
Identifies without having to see,
Accomplishes without having to act.

DDJ 47


When one is mindfully centered, he/she might be synchronized to the Dao of his situation.

The Dao gave birth to One. The One gave birth to Two. The Two gave birth to Three. The Three gave birth to all of creation. All things carry Yin yet embrace Yang. They blend their life breaths in order to produce harmony.

People despise being orphaned, widowed, and poor. But the noble ones take these as their titles. In losing, much is gained, and in gaining, much is lost.

What others teach I too will teach:   "The strong and violent will not die a natural death."   
 DDJ 42 

Does that mean that he/she knows the world?

"The Successful Strategist observes signs from the movements of Heaven and Earth and knows its principles. He observes the movement of the sun and the moon and understand their seasonal activity. He follows the cycles of day and night, taken them as his constant. All things have life and death in accord with the principles of Heaven and Earth. Thus it is said that if one fights before understanding the situation, even if he is more numerous, he will certainly be defeated."

"One who excels at competition will await events in the situation without making any movement. When he sees he can be victorious, he will arise; if he sees he cannot be victorious, he will desist. Thus it is said that he does not have any fear, he does not vacillate. Of the many harms that can beset an organization, indecision is the greatest. Of disasters that can befall an organization, none surpasses doubt."

"One who excels in competition will not lose an advantage when he perceives it or be doubtful when he meets the opportunity. One who loses an advantage or lags behind the time for action will, on the contrary, suffer from disaster. Thus the wise follow the time and do not lose an advantage; the skillful are decisive and have no doubts. He strikes like a sudden clap of thunder, which does not give time to cover ears; strike like a flash of lightning, which does not give time to close the eyes. Advance as is suddenly startled; employ your team as if deranged. Those who oppose you will be destroyed; those who come near will perish. Who can defend against such an attack?"

"Now when matters are not discussed and general preserves their secrecy, he is superior. When things are not manifest but he discerns them, he is wise. Thus if superior and wise, no enemies will act against him in the field, nor will any state stand against him."

"Excellent!" said King Wu.

- Paraphrased from Six Secret Teachings 26

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Interesting Trivia on The Best Practices of World Class Strategic Thinkers and Achievers

Following is our abridged list of proven and unproven trivia that we have researched:

Beethoven

• Rewrote his music composition constantly until it was visually perfect

Bill Walsh

• Always scripted a gameplan before proceeding on anything.
• Usually implemented a starter script of plays that barely had any connections from any recent games.
• Always had the minimum of one more scripted play than the competing coach.
• Believed in the concept of the system over goals. (If one believes in the system and follows it, the score takes care of itself.)

Jiang Tai Gong  (known as the Father of Strategic Studies)

• Emphasized on the practice  of creating a situation that lures the "intended and willing" target toward the fisherman 
• Emphasized on the practice  of catching orcas and sharks not goldfishes and guppies
• Emphasized the practice of reading the situation, profiling the principals in a situation and identifying their configuration before ever deciding on the objective and the tactical approach.

John Nash (Nobel Prize Winning Economist)

• Brainstormed his ideas while cycling in a figure eight pattern and humming J.S. Bach's The Art of Fugue.

Mike Shanahan (former coach of Washington Redskins) 

• Uses a 15 Plays starter script to determine the tendencies of the competition 
• Always took proud in possessing a larger playbook than the competition

Miyamoto Musashi

• Dedicated himself to his profession by practicing the art of minimalism.
• Utilized two swords in certain combat situation while carrying a minimum of three implements.
• Utilized a wooden sword once he realized his sword skill has reached the highest level of swordmanship.

Mozart

• Was known to use a standing table when writing his music
• Visualized the content of his composition before writing his music
• Wrote his composition in one attempt.  

Steve Jobs

• Always emphasize on simplicity and quality in his products.

Sun Bin

• Emphasized on the practice of being tenacious, guile and insightful in adverse situations
• Emphasized the employment of various bait and lure tactics for the purpose of influencing the competitor into a disadvantageous situation
• Able to recite the entire text of the Art of War essay

Sunzi

• Emphasized the art of strategic efficiency in his famous essay  (Art of War)
• Believed in the approach of prevailing in a competitive situation through the exploitation of unorthodox and orthodox tactics

Wang Xu

• Taught the development of one's foundation of awareness through the various exercises for the purpose of learning strategy 
• Focused on the process of assessing, positioning and influencing one's settings while becoming mindful of the objective of being strategically effective.
• Taught Jiang Tai Gong's Six Secret Teachings to his many students (Sun Bin, Zhang Yin and others) .

Wuzi (The writer of Wuzi's Art of War)

• Believed in dedicating oneself to the grand cause of his employer.
• Specialized in strategic efficiency

Zhang Liang

• Strategize on being positionally ahead of the situation through the implementation of a "complete" strategy.
• Famous for 
• Preferred to operate from a remote site. 
• Buried with his copy of "Six Secret Teachings."  It was  rumored that a copy of "The Three Strategies of Huang Shek Gong" was included in the process.

Zhuge Liang

• Understood many subject matters (agriculture, engineering, meteorology, geology, etc.).
• Relied greatly on certain circumstances before acting. 

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Andrew Marshall: The Yoda of The U.S. Defense Department

Source

(updated at 21:18)

In the business of maintaining the national security, the responsibility of strategic forecasting lies on the shoulder of the few.  Andrew Marshall is one of them. He leads the Office of Net Assessment since its inception in 1973.

The budding strategists should read up on him.  He is one of the best in assessing what trend is relevant in the business of national security.   

Biography
In an interview in 2012 the main author of four of the Chinese defence white papers General Chen Zhou stated that Marshall was one of the most important and influential figures in changing Chinese defence thinking in the 1990s and 2000s.


Foreign Policy named Marshall one of its 2012 Top 100 Global Thinkers, "for thinking way, way outside the Pentagon box"   -  Wikipedia

Click here, here, here, here and here for more information on him.


From a Wired 2003, interview 

Andrew Marshall

Q: Does new technology ultimately make us more or less vulnerable?
A: A friend of mine, Yale economist Martin Shubik, says an important way to think about the world is to draw a curve of the number of people 10 determined men can kill before they are put down themselves, and how that has varied over time. His claim is that it wasn't very many for a long time, and now it's going up. In that sense, it's not just the US. All the world is getting less safe.

Comments From the Compass Desk
So how does one focuses on the future without being too mindfully aware of the present?   The initial step begins by possessing the conscious feeling of no constraints and no worry of danger before identifying the on-coming trends. Estimating the range, the complexity of this any on-coming trend before connecting its inner attributes to the configuration of the Big Tangible Picture, is the macro step that most people have trouble performing. 

Assessing the tangibility of a trend by testing the extensiveness of its after-effect in a strategic simulation setting. To most people, it is quite tricky but not impossible.

Side Note
Those who seriously studied Yiquan, would understand that sole point from the practice of centering oneself. 

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Another Note on the Chinese Seven Military Classics of Ancient China

(updated at 16:16 hr.)

The Target of Strategic Power

"Exploit the advantage s conferred by the tactical balance of power.  Increase the enemy's excess, seize what he  loves. Then we, acting from without,  cam cause a response from without. "  - Sima Fa 3

SIMA'S RULES OF WAR
The Spring and Autumn Period saw some of the greatest social upheavals in China抯 history. The stronger states fought war after war against one another in a bid to seize control over other states.

It was against this chaotic backdrop that Tian Rangju showed his mettle and manifested his brilliance as a strategist. Tian Rangju was War Minister to Duke Jing of Qi. In his youth, he made a thorough study of the art of war and became well-versed in military affairs. He shared the same ancestor as Sunzi and Sun Bin, both famous military strategists in the era of ancient China.

Kind and generous to his men, he was able to inspire and motivate them to give their utmost in their motherland抯 quest for survival and power. Later, one of his descendants, King Wei of Qi, had his senior officials compile ancient teachings on warfare as studied, expounded and enriched by Tian Rangju.

This book encapsulates one man抯 expansive wisdom and experience. Included in this book are issues like values and principles, planning for campaigns, handling of warfare, strategies for victory, and many more!
Source: http://www.asiapacbooks.com

From our reading, this book encompasses strategy and leadership topics like the nature of warfare, the history of warfare,  the way of warfare, grand leadership, operational leadership, unity (people leadership), military-based organizational administration and discipline, motivating warriors, psychology of warfare, rewards and punishments, instruction and training, measure and constraint, component forces, strategic power, and tactical fundamentals. 

Combined that content with the other essays from the Seven Military Classics of Ancient China, you will have a stronger understanding of the Chinese strategic thought . 

We highly recommend the reading of this specific book. It provides the reader,a good overview from the perspective of a C-level officer and the operational leadership.

Reading Jiang Tai Gong's Six Secret Teachings, Wuzi's Art of War and this classic (Sima Fa) will guided for those who aspired to understand the world's  view from a top down perspective. 

Victory Wears a Red Shirt: The Myth Behind Tiger Woods's Red Shirt

Source: Washington Post

(updated at 22:38 hr) 

Whether it is competition or everyday,  Many of us are believers or followers of certain superstitions and practices. Some carry rabbit feet, others wear baseball caps and a few of us preferred the practice of carrying a specialized script.  There are other exotic practices. 

There are some people who do believe in the power of the red shirt. 


The Red Shirt 
Since the 1990s, the great Tiger Woods has always won his final round of tournament golf while wearing a red shirt.

After his recent injury, Tiger has not won a major tournament regardless of the wearing of the red shirt.  

Speculators and rivals started the rumor that the Tiger's magic was now gone and that fear, uncertainty and doubt have begun to penetrate into the head that wears the crown.


A New Follower of The Red Shirt
A few weeks ago, Patrick Reed emulated Tiger Wood's tradition by wearing the red shirt and black pants in the final round of the WGC-Cadillac Championship golf tournament and winning it with four strokes under par.
. 
There is nothing more humorous than a competitor who uses a psychological tactic against its originator.   It is slightly underhanded but harmless. 

Side Notes
Click here on the NY Times article on the mythology of the red shirt. You could also click here for another view. 

Psychology is Strategy
While imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, the smart strategists rarely enable the competition to use their own tactics to affect them. They always have a counter move ready for that possibility.  

Minor league rituals do not always win contests and wars.  Sound and solid preparation usually positioned the competing strategist one step closer to the starting line.  Effort and attitude usually enable him or her to break through the finishing line. 

Without depending on extreme chance, the mindful implementation of "proper execution" (in a moderately predictable setting) triumphs in most cases. 

It does not matter whether you believe in this category of tactical preparation. From our own experience, we concluded that this practice is a good psychological booster for the implementer.  

In an extreme competitive scenario, each and every advantage point must be secured from contest preparation to ritual practice to field competition. In your area of competition, do you know what it is?


Minor Jottings
"Concentrate every effort on subduing its heart and mind." 

Military Methods  33 

Implementing the counterpart's favorite tendencies could be distracting and disruptive against them. 

"In planning never a useless move.  In strategy, no step is in vain."

Chen Hao

From our own private research, extreme but successful competitors quietly mastered the technicalities behind it before ever committing to it in a real time scenario .

Conclusively, the implementation of this "unique" approach is "fair game."

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Victory Wears a Red Shirt : David Jolly over Alex Sink (Succeeding in Our Message-Driven Economy)

Source: Stuarts London

"Victory has hundreds of fathers. But defeat is an orphan. "  - JFK

Victory Wears a Red Shirt
In our information-rich and attention poor society, the message is the medium, especially in a political election.  The underdog could only win if he or she utilizes a simple, clean and concise message that connects to the majority of the targeted group.. 

Quick Case Study
In a March 12, Florida election, a GOP lobbyist competed against a political veteran from the Democratic party. The outcome could be a bellwether for the GOP. 

• Jolly's message: Vote for me. I will defeat the Obama's healthcare act
• Sink message: Vote for me. I will fix  the Obama's healthcare act

Mr. Jolly triumphed on his message.

At this moment, no one knows if this victory becomes a bellwether for the GOP.  Positive momentum starts from the ground up.

Sources: Foxnews.com  and Nypost,com   

Comments From The Compass Desk
In some situations, victory has hundreds of origins while a defeat could create thousands of "disconnective" orphans for a sole cyber moment and beyond. 

For this event, the message played a major role for the GOP. The process of managing the logistics for broadcasting this category of message is usually long, complex and challenging.  But the supporters and the public are only concerned about the results. 

Victory wears a red shirt on that day.  It also wears a blue shirt in some instances.

Succeeding in the Info. Economy by Understanding the Sixth Chapter of Sunzi's Art of War (Adjusting to the Situation of Possible Illusion and Reality)

The Objective: Achieving the  State of "Know"
Thus if one knows the field of battle and knows the day of battle, he can traverse a thousand li and assemble to engage in combat. If he does not know the field of battle nor know the day for battle, then the left flank cannot aid the right nor the right flank aid the left; the front cannot aid the rear nor the rear aid the front. How much more so when the distant are some tens of li away and the near several li apart? As I analyze it, even though Yueh's army is numerous, of what great advantage is it to them for attaining victory? Thus I say victory can be achieved. Even though the enemy is more numerous, they can be forced not to fight. ...

The Process: Assess, Position and Influence
Thus critically analyze them to know the estimations for gain and loss. Stimulate them to know the patterns of their movement and stopping. Determine their disposition of force (hsing) to know the tenable and fatal terrain. Probe them to know where they have an excess, where an insufficiency.
Thus the pinnacle of military deployment approaches the formless. If it is formless, then even the deepest spy cannot discern it or the wise plans against it.

The Essence of Maneuverable Army 
Now the army's disposition of force (hsing) is like water. Water's configuration (hsing) avoids heights and races downward. The army's disposition of force (hsing) avoids the substantial and strikes the vacuous. Water configures (hsing) its flow in accord with the terrain; the army controls its victory in accord with the enemy. Thus the army does not maintain any constant strategic configuration of power (shih), water has no constant shape (hsing). One who is able to change and transform in accord with the enemy and wrest victory is termed spiritual. Thus [none of] the five phases constantly dominates; the four seasons do not have constant positions; the sun shines for longer and shorter periods; and the moon wanes and waxes.
- Sawyer's translation

Analysis
Chapter Four to Six about building the field strategy by emphasizing on the integrated qualities of formation, momentum  and preparedness

Chapter Four teaches the importance of controlling the situation before the conflict begins while Chapter Five focuses on utilizing the attributes of momentum and timing and/or the elements of orthodox and unorthodox tactics to defeat the competition

The tactical objective of Chapter Six is about determining the best match-up by matching one's strengths to the weaknesses of the competition.

Filtering the reality from the illusion is the first step. Having the skill to adjust (change and adapt) according to the threats and opportunities is rare for most people. The successful strategists are either briefly lucky or have the skill to see the Big Tangible Picture.  

Succeeding in the Info Economy by Understanding the Fifth Chapter of Sunzi's Art of War (Strategic Power)

For the last five days, we have touched on the integrated process of assessing strategically, waging conflict, planning the campaign and defining the competitive disposition. 

Chapter Five is the favorite chapter of the pseudo warriors who wanted the field action without ever getting injured. 

Implementing strategic positions that project force, usually have infinite variations.  Influencing the competitor to maneuver into a negative state of disposition while generating momentum to one's own advantage is the means that leads to a triumph.

The Emphasis of Directness and Indirectness (Orthodox/Unorthodox)
"There are no more than five cardinal notes, yet in combination, they produce more sounds than could possibly be heard; there are no more long than five cardinal colors, yet in combination, they produce more shades and hues than could possibility be seen; there are no more than five cardinal tastes, yet in   combination, they produce more flavors than could possibly be tasted.  ..."  
- Ames's translation

The Emphasis of Directing Through Illusion 
"The ideal strategy during conflict is to move opponents here and there, until they are perfectly positioned to their own disadvantage.  This strategy, which he called Directing, is the art of compelling the opponent to react to whatever information is presented.  It is a skill that is used by leaders who are gifted with creative, insightful minds  ... tactics could be used, in endless variations, to orchestrate surprise, skillful leaders creates the appearance of confusion, fear or vulnerability, caused the opponent to perceive a false weakness. The opponent is helpfulessly drawn toward this illusion of advantage.  ... Through the promise of gain, an opponent is moved about while the team lies in wait. "  - Wing's translation

One "Idealistic" Strategic Configuration of Power
One who employs strategic power (shih) commands men in battle as he were rolling logs and stones. The nature of wood and stone is to be quiet when stable but to move when on precipitous ground. If they are square they stop, if round they tend to move. Thus the strategic power (shih) of one who excels at employing men in warfare is comparable to rolling round boulders down a thousand-fathom mountain. Such is the strategic configuration of power (shih). - Sawyer's translation  
 

Analysis

Knowing what type of strategic power to utilize is moderately easy. Assessing the opportunity, pinpointing the timing and preparing the strategic resource for the situation is the real challenge.