Wess Roberts

'A managerial cult classic.'-Forbes

This is the book you've heard about. The book that leaped to the top ranks of the bestseller lists. The book that's got the business world reading, thinking, and quoting. This is the book that reveals the leadership secrets of Attila the Hun-the man who centuries ago shaped an aimless band of mercenary tribal nomads into the undisputed rulers of the ancient world, and who today offers us timeless lessons in in-directed, take-charge management.

'Shrewd and sensible.'-Houston Chronicle

'Provocative and worth remembering...Attila is really a perosn who moden corporate chieftains can emulate.'-Across the Board

'Well written, breezy and enjoyable...a primer on basic management.'-Barron's

Contents

Author's notes
Preface
Introduction In search of Attila
1 In the Roman court: 'Leadership qualitites'
2 The lust for leadership: 'You've got to want to be in charge'
3 Becoming a hun: 'Customs'
4 Peace in the camp: 'Morale and discipline'
5 The fury of internal battles: 'Cunning in the tribes'
6 The tribute: 'Paying and receiving deference'
7 Battle dress and armament: 'Chieftains are as they appear to the huns'
8 Aetius: 'Picking your enemies wisely'
9 Leading the charge: 'Responsibilities of a chieftain'
10 The omen of Aquileia: 'The essentials of decisiveness'
11 Horse holders: 'The art of delegation'
12 Booty: 'Rewarding your huns'
13 Attila and the Pope: 'The art of negotiation
14 Surviving defeat: 'There is another day'
15 The bones of caravans past: 'Lessons learned'
16 Ashes to ashes: 'Departing with nobility'
Attilaisms: Selected thoughts of Attila… (más)

This book is a fairly easy read. The author follows an interesting approach. Each chapter gives a small historical episode about Attila, then for the advice segment, where you get the lessons, he would set up little scenes of Attila talking to his chieftains. It is unlikely the great warrior sat around dispensing advice, but it makes for good reading, and it makes for a good way to get the lessons. Now, as for the lessons, much of it is common sense, but I can see how the book, at its time, was such a popular text for CEOs and executives. Too bad you can't deal with disloyal and disruptive people the way Attila advises (removal). And for me, there are a couple of gems here applicable to librarianship.… (más)