If you want to succeed in business, Don Vito Corleone’s advice could be worth a course taught at the world’s best business schools. After all, he was the one who famously said: “Lawyers can steal more money with a briefcase than a thousand men with guns and masks.” The godfather may have been the head of a criminal empire, but he always operated in the most efficient way of business.
n old friends of mine immigrated to the US many years ago, and within a decade lived the American dream – complete with house, car and a retired California millionaire. How do you do that, I asked.
Working primarily as a dog, he replied, before adding: “And when the road is bumpy, ask yourself – what will Don Vito do?” He’s only half joking.
In a week marking the film’s 50th anniversary, Godfather’s The legacy has become an enduring symbol of modern culture – especially the combination of commerce and crime. Brian Cox may be the bad guy that fueled the success of today’s hugely popular movie Heir but he learned many of his best moves from Marlon Brando’s Godfather.
“It’s not personal, it’s purely business,” is now a phrase so ingrained in modern parlance that my takeout guy once used it as an excuse. after forgetting the kung pao sauce.
Since the film premiered in March 1972, Don Vito’s business intelligence has transcended global borders. In all his dealings, Don Vito claims to keep “your friends close and your enemies closer” – a fact many Irish businessmen would readily agree to.
Through a period of depression and depression, the gangster’s biblical commandments have entered the dictionary – including “revenge is best eaten cold”. Understanding your opponent’s motivations is key to staying one step ahead of your competitors, especially those who want to eat your lunch.
“A friend should always underestimate your virtues and an enemy overestimate your faults” is the gem that Don has polished. A tenet of the play Corleone dictates that a man must be as good as his word is – underscored when consignor Tom Hagen is turned down by an obnoxious Hollywood film producer.
“Mr Corleone never asked for a second favor once he refused the first,” the adviser politely explained – and six hours later the horse’s head turned to the producer’s bed. Moral of the story: if you’re going to give a talk, you should be prepared to go for a walk.
Leadership is the core of Godfather, especially those who have to make tough decisions: “There are things to do and you do them and you never talk about them. You’re not trying to justify them – they can’t be justified.”
Ultimately, Don Corleone’s commercial judgment and financial prudence resulted in cool card play despite turbulent times. In the white heat of deadly negotiations, the Godfather played his trump card at the right moment: “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” The deal is done.
