Attila on Leadership
Page 6 of 7
Some other points
- Lasting bonds between chieftains and their warriors are not forged on the battlefield; they develop over time as everyday exchanges between chieftains and warriors.
- Outstanding warriors have a natural arrogance that must be disciplined to benefit the tribe. If a chieftain ignores top performers, they will lose their winning edge. If a chieftain ignores weak performers, they will never develop a winning edge.
- A tribe performs at its best when everyone is assigned the tasks he or she does best for the tribe. If a warrior fails to achieve expected results, it is because the chieftain failed to convey his expectations to him.
- If warriors achieve everything expected of them, it was because the chieftains had set goals that were too low.
- If training ceases when all goals have been reached, the horde will be set for failure.
- Above all things, a Hun must be loyal. However, disagreement is not necessarily disloyalty.
- Chieftains must have courage, be fearless, have the fortitude to carry out assignments, and be willing to accept the risks of leadership.
- Leaders must have a desire and a commitment to lead.
- Each higher level of leadership places increasing demands on chieftains so they must have the physical and mental stamina to deal with it.
- Chieftains must develop an appreciation for and an understanding of the values of the cultures, beliefs, and traditions or their enemies.
- Good leaders observe and anticipate, and are decisive.
- The timing of recommendations and actions is essential to their success.
- All levels of an organization must be held accountable and all participants must accept full responsibility for their actions.
- Leaders must be credible. Their words and actions must be believable to both friend and foe.
- The weak persist only when things go their way; the strong persist until the job is done.
- If a chieftain cannot be depended upon, relieve him. A king cannot observe each and every action of his subordinate chieftains; therefore, he must rely upon them to get things done.
- Leaders are stewards. Subordinates are not to be abused; they are to be guided, developed, and rewarded for their performance. Punishment is to be reserved as a last resort and is seldom used.