When business warfare should begin?

As far as peaceful business competition prevails there is absolutely no need to resort to the use of force. Competitors in a market are indeed opponents in true sense. But market is a big place to accommodate many a products and many a players. Everything turns ugly when one guy tries to bully others.

Business warfare does not start if the bully remains just a tactical opponent. If he persists with this attitude for a considerable time span then he would become a strategic opponent thereby heralding the onset of business warfare.

The market can respond to this in two different ways. One is the entire market participants join together and confronts the bully. Two, the market decides to throw their weight behind a strong competitor who can take on the bully with wholehearted support emanating from the rest of the participants. Here the ancient wisdom comes into play. War is not the primary choice but a deviation towards that path. Von Clausewitz says tersely "War is the continuation of policy with other means."

Initially business manoeuvres and counter manoeuvres are made with the sole intention of leading parties involved into some kind of compromise. But if that is not forthcoming an all-out business warfare must begin forthwith to deliver the knockout punch.

Here is a caveat. Terms of the business warfare must favour the lead competitor and his allies. Put it other way, the odds must be in its favour. Unless that is certain all out business warfare is a no-go option. Even if the odds are in favour of the defending firm it should not treat the bully with kid glove. Lead player has to marshal top brains within the company and co-opt others from allies so that technical superiority is ensured and the bully has no other options but to surrender.

It is not out of place to mention that engaging in business warfare requires thoughtful planning and execution. Corralling men, machinery and resources is only one side of the story. Major aspect is grit, ability and willingness to take risks so that the team is dedicated to finish the job in quicker time with a big arrow moment enabling the team to go for the jugular veins of the bullying opponent.

Throughout the entire enterprise of beating the bully, lead party and its allies must stick to one cardinal rule of business warfare: unity of command and control.

 

Cheers!

 

Muthu Ashraff Rajulu

Business Strategist

Mobile: + 94 777 265677

E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com

Blog:   Business Strategist