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.

The book weighs in at 110 pages, broken down into 16 short chapters, each focusing on a particular management subject.  Each chapter begins with an introduction to the material contained therein, and follows with “Attila” sharing his views about the subject.  The author acknowledges that he took some creative license with Attila’s “secrets”, and the reader can figure out that these are Roberts’ own views on leadership.  Managers are referred to as “chieftains”, and all members of the organization are known collectively as “Huns”.  The last section in the book contains “Attilaisms”, a bulleted listing of some key leadership points.

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”

One great quote about developing a succession plan: “You must not be threatened by capable contemporaries or subordinates.  Be wise in selecting capable captains to achieve those things a chieftain can attain only through strong subordinates.”

Chapter 3: Becoming a Hun: “Customs”

“Customs” addresses the need for a consistent corporate culture, a mission statement that gets all of the employees on the same page.  Although each person is valued for their individual strengths, they must all abide by a strict code of conduct.

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”

“Always pay proper courtesy to your subordinate leaders.  Should you fail to accord them respect, so will the subordinates.”

Chapter 7: Battle Dress and Armament: “Chieftains Are as They Appear to Their Huns”

Perhaps your company has just endured a round of layoffs, or your 401K match has been reduced.  Here’s a good one for those executives with the shiny new Beemers: “Pompous appearance breeds hate and gives rise to contempt and laughter among the ranks.”

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”

Compensation can take many forms, and not only in the monetary sense.  Recognition for a job well done is also necessary, as is compensation as a strategy in retaining good employees.  A good quote from the chapter: “Never reward a Hun for doing less than is expected of him. Otherwise, he will doubt your sincerity in rewarding appropriate acts and, even worse, expect reward for performing deeds for which you hold no approval.”

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.

What, no chapter on Management by Objectives?  Thank God.  The book shows that just hitting your numbers does not a great manager make.  Peter Druckerites should take notice.  Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun was required reading in my MBA program, and I would definitely recommend this book to everyone, especially managers with direct reports.

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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