Asakura Clan House Code - Law #9 | Part 9 of 17 Article Series
ORIGINAL TEXT:
Those retainers who lack special talent or positions, but who are STEADFAST, MUST be treated with compassion and understanding. Those who are effeminate may still be used as attendants or messengers if their DEMEANOR IS OUTSTANDING, and they must NOT be dismissed lightly. However, if they lack both, then it is useless to retain them.
MODERN INTERPRETATION:
People who, once a decision is made, are UNWAVERING in their commitment, are people to be taken seriously. They can be utilized by a good leader with the right consideration. But if people are missing BOTH unwavering commitment AND ability/talent/influence, then don’t waste your time.
Unwavering Commitment is Essential. Without it, Ability is Useless
Steadfast means to be “resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.” Leaders of Samurai Houses and Clans wanted to attract and inspire warriors who were loyal and would carry out their duties even when it would mean that warrior’s death.
The act of committing seppuku (ritual suicide) was a common practice. If a warrior in a clan was demanded to commit seppuku and displayed cowardice or any form of fear, it would bring shame and dishonor to the clan - that could translate in the modern world as damage to an organization or brand’s reputation.
Warren Buffet on Integrity First
Warren Buffet states that, “in looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if you don't have the first, the other two will kill you.”
Also, Warren Buffet often gives the analogy that a great business is like a castle, and management’s job is to grow the size of the moat around it. The larger the moat, the harder it is to approach and lay siege to that castle (the competitive advantage). And in Sun Tzu’s Art of War, it is stated that, “The worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities. The rule is, not to besiege walled cities if it can possibly be avoided.”
Sounds similar, doesn’t it? Perhaps Buffet has some Samurai Wisdom within.
The “Competitive Advantages” of a Samurai Clan
For a Samurai Clan, here are 5 MAJOR competitive advantages that be summarized as follows:
Amount of dedicated warriors of great courage in the Clan
Degree to which the warriors were committed to their Lord
Level of ability of the warriors in the clan
Excellent strategy in place
Excellent teamwork enabling them to work together, solve problems, and execute
Reputation, or “honour” of the Clan
How to Bring Honour to Your Clan
A warrior might be called upon to perform an act requiring great courage, immense loyalty, or superior ability. Should the warrior succeed, it would improve the clan’s reputation as a strong, powerful, united group. That would attract more supporters and followers of ability.
Leaders - Respect and Find USE for Loyal People
The Asakura House Laws on this matter lay out that loyalty and devotion to the Asakura clan is priority number 1. So long as a retainer, a Samurai Warrior, was committed to serving the Asakura clan and was determined to do so no matter the situation, then the Asakura leaders were to do their best to find use for this man. Talent and ability were less important than determination and devotion to the Clan.
This law sets out the importance of surrounding yourself with committed people.
NEXT ARTICLE IN THE SERIES: A PREVIEW
The next article, Law #10, is regarding creating a culture of committed supporters, and how equality of treatment results in a weak culture destined to bring ruin.