Sun Tzu wrote, When you plunder a countryside, let the spoil be divided amongst your men.

This isn’t just about ancient warfare. It’s about leadership. About honor. About understanding that victories aren’t truly victories unless everyone who fought beside you shares in the reward.

Whatever you’re building—a business, a team, a dream—you are not doing it alone. And if you think you are, you’re setting yourself up to fall. Because no one climbs the mountain alone. No one survives the battlefield without allies. And when the hard work finally pays off, the spoils of success shouldn’t be hoarded at the top—they should be shared.

Sun Tzu is reminding us: reward your people. Recognize the hands that built the foundation. Remember the late nights, the early mornings, the blood, sweat, and sacrifice that didn’t just come from you, but from everyone who believed in the mission. This is how you create loyalty that lasts. This is how you build something stronger than a paycheck—you build trust.

In modern terms, this could be your team at work, your family at home, or your crew who stuck by you through thick and thin. Maybe it’s your mentors, your clients, your crew in the trenches. Whoever they are, don’t wait until the journey ends to show gratitude. Let people know their effort matters. That their fight counts. That when you win, they win too.

Because here’s the thing—when people know the reward will be shared, they fight harder. They show up stronger. They don’t just follow orders—they own the mission. They protect the vision like it’s their own. And that kind of unity? That kind of shared purpose? It makes you unbreakable.

Now flip it.

Maybe you are one of the warriors. Maybe you’re the one in the field, putting in the work, hoping the leader sees your effort. Maybe you're grinding day after day, wondering if it will ever pay off. Hear this: it will. Stay in the fight. Give your all not just for the reward, but for the pride of knowing you gave everything you had. Leaders rise from the ranks of the consistent, the loyal, the brave. Keep going. Your time is coming.

And when it does come—when the spoils finally arrive—don’t forget this principle. Share it. Spread the victory. Make sure the people who helped you rise get lifted too.

Sun Tzu’s words are clear: don’t just win. Win in a way that honors your people. In a way that creates loyalty, unity, and legacy.

So today, lead with fairness. Fight with honor. And when success comes—share the spoils.

That’s how warriors become legends.

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