Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun (1987)

Found this among the sale books, it maybe the epitome of 1980s book of leadership "secrets," not much in the exploration of ideas or motivations just truisms. The greatest lessons not fully developed relate to the mentoring of leaders and the long term goals of society over short term goals. If you must read, read the first and last chapters, what lies in between is filler. I understand it's a book on leadership and not history, however it might have been more interesting if it contained a single foot or end note relating to sources. ( )

Recently trolling the bargain audiobooks on Amazon, I came across two books on management from former generals: The Scourge of God (Attila the Hun), and the father of our country (George Washington). I thought it might be fun to compare and contrast what has been written about them.

The comparison will have to wait until later in the week when I finish the George Washington book. Meanwhile, Attila clocks in about half the size. While the great leader of the Huns left no documentation behind describing his management style, author Wess Roberts extrapolates from his deeds what Attila might have said addressing groups of chieftains or rising tribal leaders. He constructs parables from both Attila's many success and his greatest failure.

Each chapter begins with a little history lesson of what we know about Attila, and his adversaries, particularly the Roman general Aetius whose paths had intertwined since childhood. Attila did not seize power until relatively late in life, so is thought to have been wiser than some of the more rash tribal leaders. The Hun were a people, but also a collection of tribes, tribes that did not necessarily get along very well. Like departments in a corporation, Attila counsels them to put aside differences, engage in diplomacy, and attack the enemy only when it is the best remaining option. Through his unexpected death are cautioned that life is unpredictable, and when fate intervenes, new leadership must be installed quickly and decisively.

It all comes together as a little gimmicky in a fun way. Roberts leaves it to the readers to apply each chapter to their own situation, and I can imagine this leading to lively discussion in management workshops. There are no great revelations here -- most is common sense, but since corporations notoriously lack common sense, it makes for a good reminder.

Now we'll see what George has to say. ( )

To read a book without it being interesting is always a difficult read. I had to read this book as part of leadership traning book club. OMG, it was a very difficult to follow language for me.

You would be missing anything if you didn't read this partcular one. There are plenty other leadership books out there that are worthwhile and have the same principles of leadership. ( )

Timeless lessons in win-directed, take-charge management

It's an interesting concept, but for me it failed in execution. Though far from our image of a heroic leader, Attila, the "Scourge of God," still must have had excellent charisma and leadership skills. This book uses his history as a device for framing a series of leadership messages. It didn't resonate with me. The lessons are too varied to carry any deep impact and not heavy enough for any substantial historic connection. Some of the lessons encourage cut-throat tactics we now associate with an older school of management. ( )