Unlike a recent mandatory reading assignment, I thoroughly enjoyed Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun by Wess Roberts. First published in the mid-1980’s, it contains timeless tips for managers at any level. The author’s unique approach is a welcome departure from the flavor-of-the-month motivational books ghostwritten for sports figures.
Chapter 1: In the Roman Court: “Leadership Qualities”
Roberts, in Attila’s voice, discusses the many traits a good leader should possess, such as:
- Loyalty
- Courage
- Desire
- Emotional Stamina
- Physical Stamina
- Empathy
- Decisiveness
- Anticipation
- Timing
- Competitiveness
- Self-confidence
- Accountability
- Responsibility
- Credibility
- Tenacity
- Dependability
- Stewardship
Attila stresses that it may take a long period of time to acquire these qualities, and that there are no shortcuts.
Chapter 2: The Lust for Leadership: “You’ve Got to Want to Be in Charge”
Chapter 3: Becoming a Hun: “Customs”
Chapter 4: Peace in the Camp: “Morale and Discipline”
Attila realizes that a lack of morale and discipline is a most contagious and destructive disease. Peace and harmony will bring about confidence, comfort, and peace.
Chapter 5: The Fury of Internal Battles: “Cunning in the Tribes”
The message here is to watch your back, obey the guidelines of your company, and reward loyal subordinates.
Chapter 6: The Tribute: “Paying and Receiving Deference”
Chapter 7: Battle Dress and Armament: “Chieftains Are as They Appear to Their Huns”
Chapter 8: Aetius: “Picking Your Enemies Wisely”
The message here is stick to your guns, keep your composure, and don’t underestimate your competitors.
Chapter 9: Leading the Charge: “Responsibilities of a Chieftain”
Attila recites the responsibilities of leaders, such as establishing a winning atmosphere, setting a good example, motivating, making decisions, sacrifice, and a sense of duty.
Chapter 10: The Omen of Aquileia: “The Essentials of Decisiveness”
Attila talks about doing the right thing, proper delegation of responsibilities, patience, compassion, and self-confidence when making decisions.
Chapter 11: Horse Holders: “The Art of Delegation”
Attila discusses proper delegation, granting of authority to subordinates, not interfering, building a competent team, encouraging creativity, and allowing their subordinates to learn from their mistakes.
Chapter 12: Booty: “Rewarding Your Huns”
Chapter 13: Attila and the Pope: “The Art of Negotiation”
Attila reminds us to negotiate even the little things, so that they don’t grow out of proportion. He also talks about being prepared, not rushing to judgment, and avoiding a third-party arbitrator at all costs.
Chapter 14: Surviving Defeat: “There is Another Day”
“Sometimes you will lose, regardless of how prepared you are to win.”
Chapter 15: The Bones of Caravans Past: “Lessons Learned”
The message here is to learn from our mistakes, as everyone is bound to fail at some point.
Chapter 16: Ashes to Ashes: “Departing with Nobility”
Attila talks about succession planning, about leaving the position with grace, and leaving the company a little better than how you found it.
Attilaisms: Selected Thoughts of Attila
This chapter hits on some of the better points made in the previous chapters.
If you liked this book, Wess Roberts has written a sequel, Victory Secrets of Attila the Hun. Why not subscribe to my email updates so you don’t miss my review? The best part: they’re free!
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