Learning from Attila the Hun!

In my spare time I work as a rugby coach and just this week in one of the coaching journals I subscribe to was an article on Attila the Hun’s “management techniques” and how these helped him conquer large parts of the world.  The journal suggested ways we could learn from Attila the Hun and used extracts from a best selling book, Wes Roberts’ “Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun”.

 

My coaching journal suggested ways we could transfer the lessons to the work of a rugby coach but I think they can be just as relevant for any leader.

 

Lust for leadership

 

Above all else, those who want to lead need to have a desire to gain personal recognition and be prepared to work hard for it. Success comes from hard work, sweat over inspiration. You should not be threatened by “capable contemporaries or subordinates”. A chieftain will select carefully their most capable captains to help achieve more than they could if they were acting as just one person.  What does this mean for you, well it’s important to let other opinions have a chance to be heard but you’ll have the final say.  And if you want to be in charge you need to be the best prepared.

 

Peace in the camp

 

Wise chieftains realise that either very harsh or very lax discipline will undo morale.  Be consistent in the way you deal with people, try to be positive in your feedback even when the message is negative.  Also accept feedback, shouting over criticism doesn’t improve anything.  But don’t let misdemeanours go unnoticed either. 

The Tribute

 

When respect comes from fear, then there is an unwillingness to serve which in turn leads to some resistance to authority and purpose. Real respect leads to great loyalty – the tribe will be full of spirit and willing to “follow their chieftain into the mouth of hell”.  Show respect to your team leaders, so their charges will show respect to them.

 

The Omen of Aquilera: “The essentials of decisiveness”

A wise chieftain never makes a decision if he does not understand the issue. He also gives responsibility for decisions to his subordinates – a weak chieftain will keep all the decisions to himself out of fear he might lose control.