The Sun Tzu Fanboy: The Master of Malicious Mediocrity

Let’s press pause for a moment, on this fine day, to dive headfirst into a universal plight: management. In this melodrama, we’ll unmask the specter lurking in the shadowy corridors of middle management, the self-styled military strategist, the obnoxious aficionado of Sun Tzu.

Sun Tzu devotees are invariably masters of malignant mediocrity. This rule, dear readers, brooks no exception.

Allow me to clarify, my insightful hypothesis doesn’t hinge on subtle psychological probes but rather a parade of persistent observations. Still, it’s unswervingly on point.

Inheritor of a style of manipulation he will forever fumble, the soy sauce samurai is all about devious designs rather than grand strategies. Regardless of his perch in the pecking order, here’s some wisdom: steer clear. Luckily, the Sun Tzu groupie is effortlessly identifiable, flashing his well-thumbed copy of The Art of War from his middling manager mancave.

Early one morning, I venture into the chic cubicle of the newly anointed HR chief of the Action department.

“Howdy, Maxime! What devilish deeds are you cooking up?”

“Morning, Reznyk. It’s Maxence, not Maxime.”

“Oops, my bad, Max.”