Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1987

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 3

Chapters 4-8

Chapters 9-12

Chapters 13-16

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Themes

The Identity of a Leader

The entire book revolves around the persona of Attila the Hun as a model for leadership and governance. The author presents Attila in the most positive light possible to put him forth as a figure one can emulate and imitate in their own leadership roles. As he states in the preface: “Attila's robust life and controversial image as a determined, tough, rugged and intriguing leader… provides a compelling opportunity for relating leadership fundamentals to a new generation of leaders” (iii).

One of the first insights given is that proper leadership qualities require patience and intentionality: “There is no quick way to develop leaders” (16). While many might jump at the chance to develop the correct qualities in a way that seems to bypass a more traditional maturation—countless schemes are based upon a kind of “get rich quick” method—the reader is reminded that virtues and strengths are most solidly built on a firm foundation of repeated, habitual progress that can be ingrained solidly only over a long period of time.

Respect is another key ingredient for those in leadership positions. The caricature of a thoughtless and callous leader whose desire is for power alone is one that can be disregarded. When respect is given in proper measure, the result is loyalty, a kind of loyalty that cause subordinates “to follow their chieftain into the mouth of hell, if necessary, for the cause of the nation” (46). When the proper relationship of respect is shared between comrades, the result is a harmony that is not easily broken. Not only is respect necessary between those on the same team, however, it is also a necessary attribute regarding one’s enemies as well. When an enemy is disrespected, tragedy is a possible outcome: “Paying deference to your adversaries is essential. Once you fail to recognize their abilities, influence and potential, they may gain advantage over you” (48-49).

Finally, proper judgment is perhaps most important of all. This character trait pops up in all manner of circumstances. It is necessary in the choice of how to dress and comport oneself to be recognized as a leader without being envied or looked down upon derisively: “Pompous appearance breeds hate and gives rise to contempt and laughter” (52). Judgment is also crucial in the choice of delegation: “Wise chieftains grant both authority and responsibility to those they have delegated assignments” (74). If a harmful choice is made in who to trust, disaster is possible. If, however, the correct person for the job is chosen, this will free up the leader to perform other tasks and fulfill other goals while allowing the common good to be served efficiently, sometimes with even greater creativity and force than when goals were left in the hands of the primary leader alone.

National Identity

The Huns were a proud people, and Attila was happy to be their leader. As Attila’s persona points out, “Above all things, a Hun must be loyal” (17). The loyalty of the Huns to one another and to the people was a virtue that was indispensable. One of the temptations that certain Huns of the warrior class could fall prey to was that of becoming mercenaries. The nomadic lifestyle came at a cost, and if one could more easily gain wealth and status in service to a foreign power, going to work for that entity could be a tempting proposition. The Huns prided themselves, however, on their loyalty, and that trait eventually allowed Attila to unite the various tribes into a single, unified nation.

The customs of the Huns played a large part in this process of unification and national identity. Although they were “a collection of fiercely independent multiracial and multilingual tribes,” they were also “talented in military and political matters and marked by a common thread of mercurial instability and emotional heroism” (29). Their differences were not so consequential as their similarities, and once they were united under a single leader and a common cause, they proved to be a terrific force. Their natures displayed a rather “strong interest in romantic history” (30), they were marked by their deep respect for women and their elders, and they frequently participated in traditional song and dance during celebrations and communal time spent during their wandering.

The importance of their customs is stressed because it is these customs that allow for the maintenance of a consistent identity through the succession of generations. Attila’s persona declares forcefully: “Customs are of nations, not of individuals. Being a Hun requires dedication and devotion to the cause of our nation. Following our customs is a tribute to our heritage—and to our present and future” (32). The customs practiced and zealously preserved were the unifying force around which the identity of the people was forged, maintained, and allowed to function as a principle of hope for the future.

Finally, Attila was also a realist. He not only held to idealistic values that held the nation together, but he also realized the weaknesses and more immediate desires of his people, especially when it came to battle and plunder. He knew that part of their pride and zeal stemmed from their exploits in war, for “the Huns were inspired by the glory and spoils that stemmed from the exploitation of their deeds as intrepid warriors” (76). Allowing the armies to continue their long-held custom of plundering their enemies after a defeat—rather than leaving them be, as some other nations held to be honorable—enabled Attila to allow the fierce hordes to quench their thirst for plunder and, at the same time, boosted their economic prospects and allowed a time-honored tradition to be preserved.

The Importance of Wisdom

The key to leadership is the attainment and exercise of wisdom. The first means to acquiring wisdom is education, and “Attila was an extraordinary student of the internal and foreign policies of the empire” (15) when he was shipped off to Rome as a youth. This allowed him to gain great insight into the Roman Empire, the West’s greatest power, and these lessons served him well as he grew, matured, and eventually took over the leadership of his own people.

Wisdom also plays a crucial part in recognizing the kinds of people with whom one is surrounded. Of first importance is the choice of those who surround the leader and operate in subordinate but crucial assistant roles: “You must be wise in selecting capable captains” (27). Second, it is important to be wise in recognizing who among the people could betray their leader, as Attila learned from the past mistakes of fallen leaders: “Be wise and anticipate the Brutus of your camp” (42). The final aspect regarding people is the wisdom of choosing one’s enemies carefully. In a perfect world, there would be no enemies, but because the world is a violent and treacherous place, it is important that an enemy be made only when necessary. Attila notes that “we must be cunning insofar as we should make enemies only with purpose” (57).

Another aspect of wisdom is the ability to make quick and good decisions. Lack of confidence and an inability to be decisive can lead to tragedy and death, but possessing the kind of wisdom that allows for penetrating analyses of circumstances will allow for a good decision-making process. Bravery is of little use when rashness is allowed to rule, because “valor is guided by prudence” (68). Above all, wisdom is necessary to subordinate individual benefits and achievements to the success of the overarching goal of the people. Attila insists on this fact: “In selecting an alternative, wise chieftains look for the choice in which the benefits outweigh the risks and costs of the decision. Noble chieftains make decisions in favor of the common good” (69).

Finally, wisdom is sometimes most crucially exercised in recognizing one’s own weaknesses and failures and refusing to be defined by them. When the failures of the past are recalled, says Attila, “we must likewise learn the mighty lessons in them if we are to rise up with the strength of spirited warriors” (93). While custom and tradition are reliable guides to the health of the national culture and joy, the failures of the past can also be means to ensure that future endeavors are not foiled by making the same mistake twice.