“Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle, but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting.” ― Sun-Tzu, The Art of War

The Art of War was written in the 5^th Century B.C. by a legendary figure, General Sun Tzu. Composed during the tumultuous Warring States period of China, it was the first book of its kind, totally dedicated to the study of warfare.

In some business schools today, it is still required reading. That is because this scroll is not just a blueprint on tactics in warfare, but it speaks to leadership qualities and assessing strengths and weaknesses in organizations, businesses and people in general.

With regard to leadership qualities, authoritative English translations indicate one of Sun Tzu’s philosophies was:

There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general:

(1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction;

(2) cowardice, which leads to capture;

(3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked by insults;

(4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame;

(5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.

Even one of those qualities can be devastating not just for that leader but for her organization.  A combination of more than one of those qualities assures failure.

One of the most devastating flaws a “leader” can possess is equating themselves and the organization as being one and the same. This type of “leader” rules from a place of intimidation and fear. They trust no one. Suspicion and insecurity are the hallmarks of their decision making. Fact based, intelligent criticism of the organization is regarded as a personal slight and insult. That type of organization embraces the ego and selfishness and shrinks from humility and public service. The removal of that “leader” often results in the organization failing.

Which brings us to the international association of eating disorders professional foundation, inc. (“iaedp”) and its “leader” Bonnie Harken.

In late August, I reached out to Ms. Harken and iaedp setting forth troubling concerns about iaedp and the iaedp chapters. As part of that correspondence, I stated,

“In fact, I have been strongly encouraged to attempt resolution quietly and confidentially with you and iaedp. I have reached out in good faith.

I welcome an open discussion with you in which we attempt to correct any misconceptions and right all wrongs. I also believe this can best be accomplished by bringing in a few third parties to work together collaboratively.”

That discussion never happened.

I believe Ms. Harken stated that she, “would fight until the end!” I will always wonder if Ms. Harken ever asked the more important questions, “What is in the best interests of iaedp?” and “What is in the best interests of the families suffering from eating disorders?”

In the past two months, I attempted to keep the individual chapters apprised of the communications. I advised them how they could retain attorneys inexpensively. I sent information to them addressing the inconsistencies I had found. I stated that I was available for a discussion with them at any time. I stated that in my opinion, the individual chapters did not have liability and that I was not looking at them.

Now, some of the individual chapters are exploring dissolving. Some of the individual chapters, like the Orange County Chapter, the Los Angeles Chapter, the San Francisco Chapter, the SoCal Chapter cannot dissolve. This is because, according to the California Attorney General they are not properly registered in California and as such, are not authorized to conduct business in that State.

Those chapters’ board of directors was required to make sure all legal requirements were complied with when registering in California. They were not. Ms. Harken leads each of those boards of directors (as well as all other iaedp corporate chapters)

We made one last attempt at resolution before litigation being filed, including sending a copy of the complaint to Ms. Harken’s and iaedp’s attorneys. This communication was met with stony silence. The time for a response has lapsed. And so, to litigation we will proceed. As surely we must. As well as complaints to state and federal taxing authorities.

General Sun Tzu believed that when you have your foe surrounded and their defeat is inevitable, you should offer that foe an honorable exit.

In this matter, a road to redemption was offered. And was not accepted.

The consequences for that lack of vision will inevitably lead to a conclusion Ms. Harken and iaedp cannot or will not foresee.

More’s the pity.