Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun

A few days ago, I watched a video featuring a talk by George Roberts, one of the co-founders of KKR, held at Stanford University.

https://youtu.be/w2wYx6qE-sI?t=2244

In the video, George Roberts discusses the book "Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun" by Wess Roberts. While not inherently business-related, the insights from this book offer valuable lessons on effective leadership in the corporate world. Despite Attila's existence dating back to 435, his principles in leading the Huns remain surprisingly relevant today. In my opinion one of the best business books. In this post, I'll share my favorite principle from each chapter.

You have got to want to be in charge

“You must be determined to apply massive common sense in sloving complex problems”

Customs

“We must value the capable Hun, whether of lowly or of noble birth. We must appoint our chieftains from among those most qualified to lead, regardless of ancestry.”

Morale and Discipline

“Discipline does not mean a loss of individualtiy.”

Cunning in the Tribes

“Never expect your Huns to always be compatible. But expect their differences to be resolvable without the spread of discontent to other Huns.”

Paying and Receiving Deference

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

Chieftains Are as They Appear to Their Huns

“A chieftain who appears to be noble will be treated as such by both Hun and foe.“

Picking Your Enemies Wisle

“Do not expect everyone to agree with you — even if you are king.“

Responsibilities of a Chieftain

“Cieftains must not favor themselves over their Huns when supplies are short.”

The Essentials of Decisivness

“It is good to remember that chieftains are, in large, rewarded for the decisions they make. Huns, conversely, are, in large, rewarded for how well they support and carry out decisions.”

The Art of Delegation

“Worthy chieftains always hold their subordinates accountable for delegated assignments.”

Rewarding Your Huns

“Grant small rewards for light tasks. Reserve heaps of booty for dangerous, gallant, substantial effort and worthy accomplishment.”

The Art of Negotiation

“Never intimidate”

There Is Another Day

“Should you becone aware that defeat on the battlefield or in negotiations is impending, dont deny it. Face it and take immediate action to minimize the opponents gain and get back to your case.”

Lessons Learned

“We must add catapults to our arsenal. We cannot expect the high walls of Roman bastions to crumble at the simple beating of our chargers hoofs.”

Departing with Nobility

“It is noble for Huns to honor their departing chieftain, giving recognition and appreciation for his service to them.”

Some of these principles may seem a bit out of context thats why i encourage everyone reading this post to get the book and read it.

Thanks,

Finn