Collaborative, driven, and ethical leadership qualities in Attila the Hun

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.

Ethical Qualities

Ethical qualities within a leader usually refer to the way in which leader will make ethical decisions and take ethical actions in the way that they lead. Ethics may be argued as one of the most controversial issues in the context of leadership; especially as ethical issues may be subjective depended on personal view, as well as the culture and norms with in the environment in which a decision is being made. There is some allowance for ethical influences in the qualities advocated by Attila. But it does not refer directly to ethics, but does refer to empathy, and the way in which different people may have different beliefs, cultures and traditions which may lead to different values (Roberts, 1994). Attila advocates the development of empathy so the differences can be appreciated, but this does not go as far as advocating an ethical approach, as Attila states that what ever empathy exists, it should not become sympathy, and that "above all things, the good of the tribal nation must be pursued with adroit diplomacy or battlefield action" (Roberts, 1994, p19). One may argue that this is an ethical stance, where the ethical value is the nation or tribe should be put first, moving towards utilitarianism position. This approach is also seen in other assertions regarding leadership qualities, including loyalty, and the way in which those who disagree should be listened to, is all that is in the interest of tribe. However, the overall ethical stance may be argued as the weakest of the qualities present in Attila.