Snake's Head, Snake's Tail
In strategic situations, avoid getting entangled in minor conflicts; instead, maintain a broad perspective and flexibility, understanding that there are multiple paths to the goal within the bounds of your chosen way.
THE IDEA
SNAKE’S HEAD, SNAKE’S TAIL
Sometimes both spirits in a fight can become entangled and nothing seems to work. Think of strategy as being both a snake’s head and a snake’s tail. Never permit yourself to become entangled in the small points of combat. Expand your spirit and see both the large and the small. Do not become stricken with a single-minded attitude. This is fatal. You must be able to function flexibly within the structure of the one thing you are doing. You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain. However, you must also realize the importance of staying within the bounds of the Way you are traversing. Only then can you truly understand the need to be aware of other attitudes.
When to use it
Strategic planning: When multiple competitors are locked in a zero-sum battle, use this concept to find a unique value proposition.
Conflict resolution: In a heated negotiation, step back from specific disagreements to find a mutually beneficial solution.
Personal development: When feeling stuck in a habit or problem, broaden your viewpoint to discover new approaches.
Military tactics: Avoid attrition warfare by creating decisive flanking or deception maneuvers.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Business Price War
Two competing companies engage in a price war, each lowering prices to undercut the other. Instead of continuing to fight on price (the 'small point'), one company steps back, re-evaluates the market, and differentiates its product through unique features and superior customer service—a different path up the mountain.
Military Flanking Maneuver
An army is locked in a frontal assault against a fortified position, suffering heavy losses. By expanding their perspective, the commander realizes that a flanking maneuver through difficult terrain, though longer, avoids direct entanglement and achieves the objective with less cost.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
In what current situation are you focusing too narrowly on small points of conflict, missing the bigger picture?
How can you expand your perspective to see both the head and tail of your strategic challenge?
What alternative paths exist to achieve your goal, and how can you pursue one without violating your core principles?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)