Leadership lessons from Attila the Hun

In around 440AD, Attila, king of the Huns and "Scourge of Gods", created a united conglomeration of Mongolian tribes around a common purpose – the plunder and pillage of the eastern Roman Empire. Based on "Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun" by Wess Roberts, here’s how you can adapt Attila’s leadership strategies for your team.

The coach as leader

Above all else, like Attila you’ve got to want to be in charge of your team and players. Those who want to lead must have a desire to gain personal recognition, and then be prepared to work hard for success.

You should not be threatened by "capable contemporaries or subordinates". To be a successful leader, you will have to select carefully your most capable "captains". They will then help you achieve more than you could if you were acting alone.

What you can do

• Never apologise for the rugby coaching session or drill you are going to do.
• Never admit that you are nervous, even if you are feeling it.
• Let other opinions have a chance to be heard, but have the final say.
• If you want to be in charge – be the best prepared rugby coach you can be.

Team morale and discipline

Successful leaders, such as Attila, realise that either very harsh or very lax discipline will undo team morale. Either scenario can also lead to dissension and dissatisfaction, and create an environment few can enjoy.

What you can do

• You should be consistent in all areas of your rugby coaching. This helps preserve morale. Try to praise everyone at some time, without being too gushing. For example, don’t say "that was fantastic guys", when your team is under-performing, whether during a game or a training session.
• Shouting and over criticism will rarely improve morale or discipline.
• But, do not let misdemeanours by players go unnoticed.

By developing a team focussed around one leader, with many "captains" to follow your lead (as well as offer you advice and insight), you can create an outfit that’s motivated, disciplined, and ready to play rugby together.

Paying and receiving respect

When respect for leaders comes from fear, there is an unwillingness for their subordinates to serve them. This in turn can lead to a resistance to authority and a lack of purpose.

Real respect can lead to great loyalty. Get respect and you will imbue your team with a great spirit and a willingness to follow you. By the same token, show respect to your "team leaders" (for instance, your captain and the pack leader), and your players will likewise show respect to them.

What you can do

• Don’t expect anything just because you are coach – earn respect through your actions as the "leader".
• Pay proper attention to your players and they will respond in kind.
• Treat your players fairly.

The essentials of decisiveness

Wise leaders never make a decision if they don’t understand the issues. They also allocate responsibility for certain decisions to their subordinates. Weak leaders will keep all the decisions to themselves, largely out of a fear of losing control.

What you can do

• Organise tactical, selection and coaching meetings with clear objectives set out at the start. (Remember to research these objectives before the meeting!)
• Allow your "team leaders" to make decisions about selection and rugby tactics. Don’t overrule your team leaders’ decisions if at all possible. Also, don’t lead their decisions – they should feel free to make the decision themselves.