The Art of War for Security Managers: 10 Steps to Enhancing Organizational Effectiveness

by Scott Watson

The classic book The Art of War (or as it is sometimes translated, The Art of Strategy ) by Sun Tzu is often used to illustrate principles that can apply to the management of business environments. The Art of War for Security Managers is the first book to apply the time-honored principles of Sun Tzu’s theories of conflict to contemporary organizational security.Corporate leaders have a responsibility to make rational choices that maximize return on investment. The author posits that while conflict is inevitable, it need not be costly. The result is an efficient framework for understanding and dealing with conflict while minimizing costly protracted battles, focusing specifically on the crucial tasks a security manager must carry out in a 21st century organization.

* Includes an appendix with job aids the security manager can use in day-to-day workplace situations* Provides readers with a framework for adapting Sun Tzu's theories of conflict within their own organizations* From an author who routinely packs the room at his conference presentations

200 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2007

Reviews

[Prafulla Mannewar]

The Art of War for Security Managers by Scott Watson is great book. It is like providing ancient wisdom to the contemporary security manager. There are many detailed principles that can be applied to the management of business environments in terms of security. Corporate leaders have a responsibility to make rational choices that maximize return on investment. The author explained that leaders always look for ROI but keeping security in mind, it does not need to be costly. All they need to prepare effective framework for understanding and dealing with business goal while minimizing the costly battles. Many organizations do not need costly solutions to manage their security, there are many cost effective way which can be effective and aligned with their business goal. This book is also for new security professional who are looking for leadership role and wants to understand how to manage business goals and objective without compromising the security solution, need for business.

There are 12 chapters. Each chapters cover different topics for security manager. First chapter is introduction where author explained how art of war can be used in security management. Chapter 2 mostly talks about leadership qualities, how security manager should be, what should be leadership qualities. Chapter 3 is interesting, where author wrote about business goal and security need. How Security manager can make balance between these two. What are cost effective techniques, how to deal with business cost effective approach. Other chapters cover about building team, prepare battlefield, understand who all your enemies, how to prioritize the task, how to predict future need. Overall its good book for any security professional and aspiring leaders.