Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of small operational units in enhancing organizational agility and responsiveness to market changes, drawing parallels between historical military strategies and modern business practices [2][20][22] Historical Context - During the Jiajing period, the Ming Dynasty faced frequent invasions by Japanese pirates, which highlighted the inefficiencies of large military formations. General Qi Jiguang developed the "Yuan Yang Formation," which divided troops into smaller units to maximize command efficiency [1][2][3] Organizational Structure - The concept of dividing large groups into smaller, flexible units is not only applicable in military contexts but also in modern business. Companies can benefit from adopting similar strategies to maintain competitiveness and adaptability [2][4][20] - The "Yuan Yang Formation" allowed for quick adjustments in tactics based on battlefield conditions, which can be mirrored in business by creating cross-functional teams that can respond rapidly to market demands [3][9] Talent Management - Effective talent allocation is crucial. Companies can learn from Qi Jiguang's approach of placing individuals in roles that match their strengths, which aligns with contemporary talent management practices [3][10] - A company in Guangxi has implemented a classification system for employees, categorizing them into three types (A, B, C) to optimize their contributions based on their skills [3][10] Modern Applications - The article discusses how companies like Huawei and KaiGe Precision Machinery have successfully implemented small unit strategies, enhancing decision-making speed and project delivery times [7][18] - Huawei's "Iron Triangle" model exemplifies how empowering frontline teams with decision-making authority can lead to improved customer responsiveness and satisfaction [7][9] Challenges and Solutions - While the small unit approach offers numerous advantages, it also presents challenges such as balancing power delegation and maintaining oversight. Companies can adopt leadership roles similar to military captains to ensure effective coordination [17][18] - The need for a well-designed incentive system is highlighted, as seen in KaiGe Precision Machinery's diverse reward mechanisms that foster employee engagement and innovation [18] Strategic Alignment - The success of small operational units hinges on the alignment of strategy, organization, and culture. Historical examples demonstrate that organizations must adapt their structures and collaboration methods to meet external demands [20][22] - The article concludes that organizations should embrace a hybrid approach, combining the discipline of traditional structures with the flexibility of small units to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment [20][22]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of small operational units in organizations to enhance agility and responsiveness to market changes [2][4][14] - It draws parallels between military strategies, particularly the "Yuan Yang Formation" created by General Qi Jiguang, and modern business practices, advocating for a shift from centralized decision-making to empowered, decentralized teams [3][10][15] Decision-Making and Organizational Structure - Many medium-sized enterprises exhibit decision-making processes similar to large corporations, leading to slow responses to market dynamics [2][4] - The concept of dividing larger teams into smaller, flexible units is proposed as a solution to restore agility and competitiveness [2][5] Historical Context and Military Strategy - The "Yuan Yang Formation" was designed to enhance command efficiency by creating small combat units that could adapt to battlefield conditions [3][5] - Historical military strategies, such as those employed by the Chinese Communist Party and during the Korean War, demonstrate the effectiveness of small, agile units in achieving operational success [5][14] Talent Management and Team Dynamics - The article highlights the importance of placing the right individuals in suitable roles, akin to Qi Jiguang's recruitment strategies, which align with modern talent management practices [3][8] - A case study from a Guangxi company illustrates a classification system for talent that maximizes individual strengths and contributions [3][8] Implementation in Modern Enterprises - Companies like Huawei and KaiGe Precision Machinery have adopted similar small unit strategies, enhancing decision-making speed and project success rates [6][7][14] - The "Iron Triangle" model at Huawei exemplifies how cross-functional teams can improve customer responsiveness and project delivery times [6][7] Cultural and Strategic Alignment - The success of small operational units relies on the alignment of strategy, organization, and culture, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness in a rapidly changing business environment [14][16] - The article argues that organizations should prioritize establishing clear core objectives and empowering frontline teams to make decisions based on localized market conditions [10][14] Challenges and Solutions - Implementing small operational units presents challenges, particularly in balancing decentralization with oversight [12][13] - Effective communication and support systems, as demonstrated by Huawei's model, are essential for maintaining coordination while empowering teams [13][14]