Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Balance (1990), Edition: Anniversary, 128 pages
Description
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 win-directed, take-charge management.
User reviews
LibraryThing member jpsnow
It's an interesting concept, but for me it failed in execution. Though far from our image of a heroic leader, Attila, the "Scourge of God," still must have had excellent charisma and leadership skills. This book uses his history as a device for framing a series of leadership messages. It didn't
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resonate with me. The lessons are too varied to carry any deep impact and not heavy enough for any substantial historic connection. Some of the lessons encourage cut-throat tactics we now associate with an older school of management. Show Less
LibraryThing member pratimohini
To read a book without it being interesting is always a difficult read. I had to read this book as part of leadership traning book club. OMG, it was a very difficult to follow language for me.
You would be missing anything if you didn't read this partcular one. There are plenty other leadership
You would be missing anything if you didn't read this partcular one. There are plenty other leadership
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books out there that are worthwhile and have the same principles of leadership. Show Less
LibraryThing member hipdeep
The central idea of this book - that Attila must've known something about people - is interesting. Roberts has a very modern interpretation of the history, which might be useful even if it's not true.
Most of the book is written in an aphoristic style, which seemed refreshing at first, but
Oh, and fair warning: Roberts found his exclamation point key! And uses it! A lot! Just like the great Attila would!
Most of the book is written in an aphoristic style, which seemed refreshing at first, but
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gradually made me wonder if I shouldn't be reading Sun Tzu instead (or eating fortune cookies.)Oh, and fair warning: Roberts found his exclamation point key! And uses it! A lot! Just like the great Attila would!
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LibraryThing member JeffV
Recently trolling the bargain audiobooks on Amazon, I came across two books on management from former generals: The Scourge of God (Attila the Hun), and the father of our country (George Washington). I thought it might be fun to compare and contrast what has been written about them.
The comparison
Each chapter begins with a little history lesson of what we know about Attila, and his adversaries, particularly the Roman general Aetius whose paths had intertwined since childhood. Attila did not seize power until relatively late in life, so is thought to have been wiser than some of the more rash tribal leaders. The Hun were a people, but also a collection of tribes, tribes that did not necessarily get along very well. Like departments in a corporation, Attila counsels them to put aside differences, engage in diplomacy, and attack the enemy only when it is the best remaining option. Through his unexpected death are cautioned that life is unpredictable, and when fate intervenes, new leadership must be installed quickly and decisively.
It all comes together as a little gimmicky in a fun way. Roberts leaves it to the readers to apply each chapter to their own situation, and I can imagine this leading to lively discussion in management workshops. There are no great revelations here -- most is common sense, but since corporations notoriously lack common sense, it makes for a good reminder.
Now we'll see what George has to say.
The comparison
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will have to wait until later in the week when I finish the George Washington book. Meanwhile, Attila clocks in about half the size. While the great leader of the Huns left no documentation behind describing his management style, author Wess Roberts extrapolates from his deeds what Attila might have said addressing groups of chieftains or rising tribal leaders. He constructs parables from both Attila's many success and his greatest failure.Each chapter begins with a little history lesson of what we know about Attila, and his adversaries, particularly the Roman general Aetius whose paths had intertwined since childhood. Attila did not seize power until relatively late in life, so is thought to have been wiser than some of the more rash tribal leaders. The Hun were a people, but also a collection of tribes, tribes that did not necessarily get along very well. Like departments in a corporation, Attila counsels them to put aside differences, engage in diplomacy, and attack the enemy only when it is the best remaining option. Through his unexpected death are cautioned that life is unpredictable, and when fate intervenes, new leadership must be installed quickly and decisively.
It all comes together as a little gimmicky in a fun way. Roberts leaves it to the readers to apply each chapter to their own situation, and I can imagine this leading to lively discussion in management workshops. There are no great revelations here -- most is common sense, but since corporations notoriously lack common sense, it makes for a good reminder.
Now we'll see what George has to say.
Show Less
LibraryThing member MichaelC.Oliveira
Found this among the sale books, it maybe the epitome of 1980s book of leadership "secrets," not much in the exploration of ideas or motivations just truisms. The greatest lessons not fully developed relate to the mentoring of leaders and the long term goals of society over short term goals. If you
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must read, read the first and last chapters, what lies in between is filler. I understand it's a book on leadership and not history, however it might have been more interesting if it contained a single foot or end note relating to sources. Show Less
LibraryThing member BenKline
An interesting take on leadership roles, advice, and leadership talk. Most of the advice in the book are common sense, practical things, that any leader should know. It's good to have these in one place, one source, for a new leader to read; but this isn't anything ultimately indispensable. Fun
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light read with an intriguing take on things, nothing more than that though really. Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1987
Physical description
128 p.; 8.05 inches
ISBN
0446391069 / 9780446391061