The Roman Council sent its army into Germana to wipe out rebellions there, overwhelming the poorly armed tribal warriors with archers, cavalry and a large infantry.

Three years later, the Council decided that Germana needed a second thrashing and sent its legions back.

But the tribes had got wise and drawn up a new strategy. They drew the archers into the woods to block their arrows. They drew the cavalry into swamps to immobilize the horses. They drew the infantry into bogs.

Take a break: Can you think of a modern-day parallel experience?

Business message: The challenges faced tomorrow will not be the same ones being faced today. So do not get stuck.

David Freedman’s CORPS BUSINESS