Leadership is the privilege to have the responsibility to direct the actions of others in carrying out the purposes of the organization at varying levels of authority and with accountability for both successful and failed endeavors. (Isn’t this a great definition? I love this one.)
Leadership characteristics displayed by Attila the Hun:
1. Loyalty – Disagreements are not disloyal; actively participating in or encouraging actions that are counter to the good of the group are disloyal. These members whether leaders or members must be removed.
2. Courage – Leaders must be courageous; they must be fearless and have the fortitude to carry out their assignments and the gallantry to accept the risks of leadership, be long-suffering in their duties and act with confidence during times of uncertainty and prosperity
3. Desire – An inherent commitment to influencing people, processes, and outcomes. If you do not desire to be a leader, don’t.
4. Emotional Stamina – Must have the stamina to recover rapidly from disappointments, to carry out responsibilities without losing clear perspective.
5. Physical Stamina – Strong bodies are needed to lead so nurture them with basic, healthful staples; you cannot lead from bedside so do not overdo on food or drink.
6. Empathy – An appreciation for and understanding of the values of others, a sensitivity for other cultures, beliefs and traditions; do not confuse empathy with sympathy which may result in unwise consolation when good diplomacy or action is better.
7. Decisiveness – Know when to act and when not to act; vacillation and procrastination confuses and discourages your peers and subordinates.
8. Anticipation – Gained from observation and experience; excelling at accepting risk when others turn to comfort and personal security.
9. Timing – Essential to all actions and recommendations; knowing who you are dealing with, their motives, their character, their priorities, their ambitions are critical when seeking approval of actions, and recommendations.
10. Competitiveness – A sense of competitive anger drives through who wins on the battlefield, in negotiations, and in situations of internal strife.
11. Self-confidence – Proper training and experience develops a personal feeling of assurance to meet the challenge of leadership
12. Accountability – Account for personal actions and those of subordinates fundamental to leadership; never heap praise or lay blame on others , no matter how grave or glorious the consequences.
13. Responsibility – No leader should be allowed to serve without taking responsibility for their actions.
14. Credibility – Must be credible to both friend and foe; must be trusted to have the intelligence and integrity to provide correct information.
15. Tenacity – Unyielding drive to accomplish assignments is essential to leadership; the strong persist and purse through the discouragement, deception and personal abandonment.
16. Dependability – A leader cannot observe every action of his subordinates, he must depend on them to get the job done. Young leaders should know those serving above and below them are counting on them to lead; they should be proud and responsible.
17. Stewardship – A caretaker quality encouraging confidence, trust and loyalty; subordinates are not to be abused, they are to be guided, developed, and rewarded for their accomplishments. Punishments should be reserved as a last consequence.
Reminder ~ all of this takes time
Reference: Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun by Wes Roberts
Sheila Says... sheilaembry.com 
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