Pyrrhus of Epirus won the Battle of Asculum in 280 BC.
Over 10,000 Romans got killed in the battle – twice that of the Epirotes. The victory for Pyrrhus was decisive.
Here’s the surprising thing, though. When someone congratulated Pyrrhus, he lamented:
“If we win another battle against the Romans, we shall be ruined.”
What happened?
This: Despite fewer lives lost, many of Pyrrhus’ best fighters perished. As resources were running to the ground, so did the morale.
Conversely, the Romans had replenished their infantry with remarkable ease. With an endless supply of soldiers, they dug into their heels, ready for a prolonged war.
Pyrrhus could barely stomach the thought of another fight. Fearing a rout, he fled Italy in pained disappointment.
What’s the cautionary tale here?
You may win a battle and yet lose the war.
The Battle of Asculum is the textbook example of a Pyrrhic victory–a short-lived win with a heavy toll, a quick respite that jeopardizes long-term progress.
With war elephants, the Epirotes had an advantage over the Romans–a tactical one. And yet with strategic insight, the Romans drove the Epirotes out of Italy in due course, winning the war.
Strategy first, tactics last.
Because even the most state-of-the-art, belled-and-whistled of tactics are impotent without old-fashioned strategic thinking. Sure, tactics can be important–but only when employed in line with strategy.
“I get it, Akira. But what does this have to do with persuasion and influence?”
Good question. Here’s the answer.