Leadership qualities in Attila the Hun and collaborative ethics

Leadership

Attila the Hun; Collaborative, Driven and Leadership Qualities

Leaders have followers, but the way in which this is achieved may vary. Research may not have identified a singular set of characteristics or qualities which are always present, but there is general agreement on some qualities and styles that leaders may utilize, these include the collaborative, driven and ethical leadership styles. These are often applied in the modern context of leaders within the commercial context. However, if qualities of leader that are advocated today are valid, they will also be seen in the leaders of the past, as seen with the examining of Alexander the Great by Mintzberg (et al., 2008). Another leader who may be considered is that of Attila the Hun; a man that is portrayed as a barbarian in many texts, but must have had some leadership qualities to gain such a strong and long-term following. As the King of the Huns, Attila also articulated hi thoughts on leadership and what qualities should be present in leadership, which he noted should be developed over a lifetime through developing skills, knowledge and the right attitude for leaders to possess (Roberts, 1990). Each of the three leadership qualities/approaches identified in this introduction will be considered individually and considered in the context of Attila the Hun.

Collaborative Qualities

Chrislip and Larson (1994) state that collaborative leaders are often those who do not possess formal authority or power to lead, but will still lead their peers. These leaders are argued to be those that promote and safeguard processes of collaboration, and supporting stakeholder approach through negotiation, even where there is skepticism and/or frustration (Chrislip and Larson, 1994).

Attila appears to recognize importance of collaborative leaders, although the term collaboration is not used directly. Attila talks about loyalty and the way loyalty should manifest, not though unquestioning obedience, but though the ability to speak out if there is disagreement. Attila states "A Hun who, in the best interest of the tribe, disagrees, should be listened to" (Roberts, 1990, p17). This shows that there Attila could accept and support the collaborative process. However, there is the stipulation that the disagreement and process needs to be in the interests of the tribe. Therefore collaborative styles are incorporated, but the degree to which they are accepted is limited to when they benefit the greater good only.

Driven Qualities

A leader who is driven will have personal goals, should be self sufficient, has a high level of self-motivation, able to work around and through adversity in order to achieve their goals. The aspects association with drive can be found in the way Attila talks of courage, desire and of emotional stamina. When talking of courage in leadership it is stated that leaders should be willing to accept risks, and should not "become bewildered in the presence of adversity" (Roberts, 1994, p17). The need for self sufficiency is also implied in the statement that should also be able to deal with periods of loneliness and should be able display confidence at all times, even when others disagree or one is ridiculed (Roberts, 1994). This assertion is also related to emotional stamina. According to Attila, emotional stamina required for leaders, not only to sustain felonious, but also to recover when there is a defeat, and maintain emotional strength when there are difficulties (Roberts, 1994)

Under the section on desire, there is recognition of the personal goals and need for commitment, leaders are seen as having a strong desire, and it is stated that leaders should have a desire to lead, as seen with the assertion that "must be careful to avoid placing capable warriors into positions of leadership that they have no desire to fulfill" (Roberts, 1994, p18).

Overall, it appears that Attila believes driven qualities are very important, without them an individual is unlikely to be an effective leader, should not be placed in a leadership position. But it is only history appears to indicate that he was highly driven, as well as believing in these qualities being required in his chieftains.

Ethical Qualities