Favor; give... 4. From Cambridge to Dartmouth to Stanford, The Godfather has been used as a textbook in business schools around the world for learning negotiation, strategy and more. He had written and published several books, which were considered to be of high literary quality but brought in little money. Bruce Harpham writes about project management training. Lesson: When you encounter an activity that requires new skills, think carefully about deciding whether it makes sense to learn it. So what can you learn from The Godfather? He starts by sending his advisor, Tom Hagen, to make a subtle request. Communication is one of the most important skills that business analysts possess. The 1972 movie The Godfather is without question one of the best motion pictures ever produced. The Godfather went as far as saying, as friends, your enemies become our enemies and you become feared. Despite all of the conditions against their chances of success, both the novel and the movie were extraordinary hits, with the former spending nearly a year and half on The New York Times best-seller list and the latter reaching No. My favourite example of the Godfather giving someone a favor is one of the least well known. Within Mario Puzo's landmark epic and The Godfather Films are a treasury of lessons not found in business books or MBA programs. The Godfather tells Sonny to shut up and then later explained to him that he should never tell anyone outside of the family what he is thinking. What strikes me most about the story is the way in which the Corleone family is knitted together by fierce, sometimes conflicting emotions: passion, fear and trust. Do you have a reputation as a complainer or someone who delivers results? Lesson: Sometimes, you give a favor simply to make the world a better place. PRESENTATION OUTLINE. You are your network so keep creating relationship and nevre hesitate to ask for favors and be generous. The studio did not support Francis Ford Coppola, then a relatively young director, who worked diligently on the screenplay despite knowing that he could be replaced at a moment’s notice with a more famous director selected by the experts. No reasonable person could have thought that either one would actually make it through production. Lessons from the godfather of modern whistleblowing . The careful viewer of The Godfather will observe that bullets are rarely the first means of making a point. Business Lessons From The Godfather. Lesson: To grow your business analyst career, find a trusted advisor outside your organization who can give you an unbiased second opinion on challenges you face. This week, choose one of the lessons from this article and put it into practice. Today Paramount and Cinemark are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the release of The Godfather with a one day showing of the iconic film in 55 Cinemark XD theaters.The movie is my all-time favorite (with the possible exception of The Godfather II).In honor of the anniversary (which is actually later this month), I offer these five leadership lessons from the film: MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE. Don't forget to leave your comments below. His reputation gradually grew to the point where violence was rarely needed. As The Godfather went through his career, he built up a reputation for results. Business analysts can learn from Tom and the Godfather’s relationship. Yes, you can succeed even if you are doing it for the money, When Mario Puzo wrote The Godfather, he was 45 years old and drowning in gambling debts. Lessons Learned from The Godfather If I have not mentioned it before; gangster crime films and series provide some of the best entertainment and education for me. Never do any thing that will cost your respect 5. The Godfather has to turn to radical methods in order to make his point. Transactional leadership involves an exchange – money for work, one favor for another. When you first think about the mafia and organized crime, you probably think about violence. Doing something for the money, or more precisely admitting as such, is frowned upon in popular business culture. She uses clips from The Godfather to demonstrate diversification in a family business; Gladiator to show the implementation of a functional strategy; Jerry Maguire to illustrate the concept of values, and many more. Lesson: When you face a conflict, consider your communication strategy. You need a trusted advisor for perspective. It is always wise to only tell your plans, secrets, and thoughts to your family, because they will never betray you. Persuasion and diplomatic tactics were enough for him to reach his goals. The first of many business lessons to learn from The Godfather is to be decisive. 1 status around the world. These include: Why Don Vito Corleone was a great executive. Many business analysts work on projects that include a change management component. This kind of change includes training stuff on a new process, introducing new habits and altering reporting relationships. Bruce’s experience includes leading process improvement projects at financial institutions and institutions of higher education. 1025. Understanding technology deeply and the practical objectives of the business require empathy and careful consideration. Aside from being one of the most influential books and films of my generation, The Godfather has a few lessons for the boss of a family-run business, writes Ken Jacobson, CEO of chief executive mentoring organisation Vistage. Early in the story, he is proud of his accomplishments in the military which sets him apart from his siblings. We even show you how to deal with scope creep the way the Godfather does. In the life of a business analyst, people come and go. 2. So, the Godfather wisely sought a dedicated lawyer. I will be sharing key points of the story, so stop right now if you are concerned about spoilers from the movie! Knowing when to escalate a situation into a confrontation is a delicate art that the Don mastered in his long career. “Among reasonable men problems of business could always be solved.” That's just how I look at it," … [The Godfather: Part II] Life Lesson: Never get bullied into a making a decision you don’t agree with, even if it means offending someone who’s trying to intimidate you. Read on for business advice we can all take from the classic film ‘The Godfather‘. In the Godfather film, Michael initially looks at ways to move away from his family. Do not get angry but reason (Don) 3. Your friends can help you position yourself where your competition fears you. Don’t listen to the experts, especially if they know less than you. Her students include corporate executives, who she says she often takes out of their “comfort zones [and uses] visual elements like movies or graphic novels to make them reflect on what are … Please review. Despite all of their experience, they had forgotten what it was like to be hungry and willing to take creative risks. So it is true in business. You simply need some focused advice to improve. Life lessons from The Godfather are bound to help you understand yourself and others to the degree that both parties can benefit solidly. In the words of Michael Corleone, “it’s not personal, Sonny. At one point, an elderly woman is having difficulties with her landlord. Three hours spent watching the iconic Godfather films will teach you more about business than any lecture on Industrial Strategies, while the novel itself offers more insight into running an organization than entire libraries of books on management.. I don’t think so. I also find it interesting that Tom is one of the few non-Corleones admitted into the inner circle. If the offer is something that cannot be refused, the business will not suffer from the lack of customers because there always will be customers who will want more from your business. In an effort to impress management, you can offer to automate a process only to realize later that doing so requires programming knowledge you don’t have. Taking on new tasks and responsibilities can be dangerous. Although not a conventional business lesson, there is a lot to learn from the Godfather movies - and no, these lessons don't involve violence. In the eyes of some, this made him a traditionalist who was behind the times. Family Business Lessons From The Godfather   Mario Puzo’s novel The Godfather was first published in 1969, topped the New York Times best seller list for more than a … Welcome to this collection of The Godfather quotes from the book and movies. “It’s not personal. Lesson: What is your reputation at the office? 3. Start with smaller gestures – such as a short phone call to a colleague before you consider escalating a problem to senior management. Within Mario Puzo's landmark epic and The Godfather Films are a treasury of lessons not found in business books or MBA programs. His trusted advisor status combines expertise with the detachment of being a non-family member. In a society driven by overworked people, it is important to … Unfortunately, promotion based on years of experience doesn’t consider individual skill or leadership ability. He ends up running the crime family’s operations rather than reforming them. Certainly, violence is part of the mafia toolbox. Aside from being a memorable movie quote, it’s also a real-life negotiation tactic that’s been used in business for centuries. This film is cram packed with advice to take on board when dealing with the hard knocks of business (minus the violent actions that take part in the film). Learn how to win the respect of your team, organize it effectively, and deal with troublesome team/family members. Business analysts can learn from Tom and the Godfather’s relationship. It’s strictly business”. Copy. Here are some valuable lessons. In his world, I would argue that the Don made the right decision – expansion into the narcotics trade would attract too much unwanted attention from the authorities. Always learn everything about an issue, observe and think... 2. In case you don’t know, The Godfather is a 1972 American crime film based on Mario Puzo’s best-selling 1969 novel of the same name. You’re better than that. Interestingly, violence was not the ONLY tool that the Godfather employed. For the best results, set yourself a goal to make give favors to your colleagues a few times a month. Repairing your weaknesses rarely pays off compared to investing energy in your strengths. Be prepared for that eventuality. It’s a difficult question that needs to be answered. Many of his key decisions, such as hiring Al Pacino for the role of Michael Corleone and Marlon Brando for the role of Vito Corleone, were vehemently fought against by these so-called experts. Without the right preparation and approach, poor change management will doom a project. In business, we often take too long to make a decision; we want second opinions from our colleagues or our friends and before we know it, the decision is taken out of our hands. Even long overdue change and improvement can make stakeholders feel uncomfortable. 1 – Why You Need To Build Your Reputation For Results. The assets you must never trade away. Take a look at these life lessons from the Godfather that we have collected for you that it may unleash the gangster within you. The film included actors such as Marlon Brando and Al Pacino and was one of the highest-grossing films […] 2 – Recruit A Trusted Advisor. Lesson: Sometimes, you will fail at change management. One of the most successful movies of all time can lend you some valuable business lessons. Ultimately, you need to focus on your strengths to succeed as a business analyst. It could be someone in a different firm or perhaps a friend from college who went to law school. In my view, Sonny is not ready to transition to leading the family. Bluntly denying a user’s request for new features may be the right move, but it matters how you communicate that fact. While there are general lessons and established paths that we should take into consideration, entrepreneurial success is about the individual creating their own path to success. Success doesn’t follow a set pattern. Capice? Don’t ever take sides against the family. “Good health is the most important … Insist on hearing bad news immediately. It seemed as though the studio executives with decades of experience did everything imaginable to ensure its failure, despite their best efforts to achieve the opposite. It’s strictly business.” 0. If you’re unhappy with your reputation, don’t panic. Don Corleone however, makes quick decisions and stands by those decisions. Unfortunately, that initial attempt at persuasion is unsuccessful. Never lose your cool. 3 - Start With Subtle Communication. Lesson: when you are involved in long term projects – anything over a year – succession planning cannot be ignored. The making of The Godfather movie could easily be turned into a movie unto itself. Published on Nov 19, 2015. When the Godfather dies, his son Sonny takes over the family in a moment of crisis. Nominating the eldest son to lead the organization is the succession principle used by the Corleones. Was The Godfather‘s success a fluke? 7 Business Analyst Lessons From The Godfather. The Positive Lessons Transactional Leadership Can Work. Running a mafia business entails confrontations with the criminal justice system. Let the other guy lose his temper. The 1972 movie The Godfather is without question one of the best motion pictures ever produced. Fauci says the 1969 novel by Mario Puzo reminds him of the lesson that, "'it's nothing personal, it's strictly business.' Vito Corleone understood this, as did Puzo and Coppola. 1. BUSINESS LESSONS. Now you’ve learned about the Godfather’s techniques, it is time to put them into action. Don Corleone faced a similar challenge in deciding whether or not to expand his empire to include illegal drugs. Don’t be afraid to bring up the topic, even if you are not formally assigned to a management role. Read on to learn important career lessons from The Godfather. No Description. It’s a difficult question that needs to be answered. Ultimately, Michael’s efforts to escape from his family’s traditions are unsuccessful. Success doesn’t have to be a fluke; you can do it again. Emotionless Decisions -- There are numerous times in the movie where emotions could have influenced his decision, but in every case he made a dispassionate business decision. What is your reputation at the office? In this case, it is unlikely that the woman will be able to help the Don. It turns out, however, that the experts that bet against a broke, middle-aged writer, a no-name director and unbillable actors were wrong. Giving (and, occasionally, asking for) favors is a key aspect of building relationships. Yet, he also knows that there are gaps in his knowledge. Business analysts have plenty to learn from “The Godfather.” Whether you’re the head of the Corleone crime family or leading an IT project, analysts and mobsters have a lot in common. This approach has the virtue of simplicity. Only the Paranoid Survive -- Toward the end of the Godfather, the Don goes over and over how Michael (his son) will likely be targeted/assassinated. Don’t discuss business at the table. Before the movie, there was Mario Puzo’s novel of the same title, written in 1969. 4 - Have A Succession Plan. Make them an offer they can’t refuse. Whether it meant helping out the local grocer or a tenant, the Godfather delivered. Tom Hagen, lawyer and consigliere to the Corleone family, advises the Godfather on a range of matters. 4 business lessons from The Godfather 1. It could have been a small gesture – getting coffee for a colleague or teaching a technical skill to a new hire. ... is the godfather of modern whistleblowing. Lesson: To grow your business analyst career, find a trusted advisor outside your organization who can give you … IT's NOT PERSONAL, IT's JUST BUSINESS. Patrick Bet-David has interviewed many different personalities; from undercover Joe Pistone to Mafia Boss Michael Franzese. Why it's good to be underestimated. Do you have what it takes to be a mob boss? From The Godfather. Here Are 12 Business Lessons From The Godfather. This situation is a textbook case of succession planning gone awry. 1. Know your competition and remain one step ahead of the game in order to grab opportunities as they surface and beat the competition. This hunger is what achieves greatness. The creation of the novel and the movie represent some of the most unlikely rags-to-riches stories imaginable. In the corporate world, the analogous situation would be automatically promoting the most experienced employee to management in the event of manager departure. When you first think about the mafia and organized crime, you probably think about violence. 2. Clearly, as was Puzo's case, that isn't always true. Everyone in the family respects the Godfather for his long experience. https://medium.com/@jill_lee/life-lessons-from-the-godfather-3d30572d6dc7 The Godfather steps in and helps her out. Understanding your own motivations and being able to communicate that to... 2. According to Peter Bart, then vice president of production for Paramount Pictures, Puzo told him very bluntly that “I’m writing this book for the money…This isn’t War and Peace.”. © 2020 American Express Company. Follow your passion, promise the gurus, and the money will come. One of the most successful movies of all time can lend you some valuable business lessons. Back To The Future: Two Ways To Develop Better Future State Skills, Why AI Drives Better Business Decision Making, Critical Chain Project Management: Everything You Should Know, When "Solutioners" are the Decision Makers, 5 Trusted Tips to Move Your Business Analyst Career to a C-Suite Role, « Good Business Analyst, Bad Business Analyst, The TRIFECTA – Bringing Together People, Process & Technology. "A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man," Don Corleone. The Corleone family is no different. They are close enough that Tom can share difficult truths without few of reprisal. Surprisingly, the mafia world also requires subtle communication skills. It’s not personal, it’s strictly business. Remember that Business is Business. The Godfather Lesson #1: Offer That Can’t Be Refused The most important part for each business is the offer . Well, in business, the enemies could be perceived as competitors. It was the top-grossing movie of that year, won multiple Academy Awards and launched a genre of movies that catapulted the theme of organized crime into the popular culture spotlight (for better or for worse). Early in the film, the Don has to make a point to a movie director. Lessons from the Godfather Trilogy: Universal Principles and Practical Advice ... An understanding and application of the universal principles enunciated by the great characters in The Godfather Trilogy to one’s business practices can improve one’s abilities and may also serve to ease the stress generated by the profession. In this video, Matt Ruddle talks through 3 business lessons we can all learn from one of his favourite films, The Godfather. “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.” That one line from The Godfather is arguably the greatest and most quoted movie line ever. Despite the profit opportunities offered, the Don refused to enter the business. They are close enough that Tom can share difficult truths without few of reprisal. View Outline. There is a lot to learn in business from a classic movie like ‘The Godfather‘. Business & Tech. All users of our online services subject to Privacy Statement and agree to be bound by Terms of Service. Mario Puzo went on to write critically-acclaimed (and financially-successful) novels while Francis Ford Coppola became one of the premier directors of his generation. All rights reserved, Insights and Inspiration to Help Grow Your Business, Check for Pre-qualified Credit Card Offers, Credit Intel – Financial Education Center. The same team that achieved success with The Godfather was able to repeat it on multiple other occasions, including with the sequel to The Godfather. You could say that he is the subject matter expert in many aspects of the family business. Do you have a reputation as a complainer or someone who delivers results? Share. When was the last time you gave a favour to someone? Determined to do things differently, Puzo decided to produce a novel that he thought would sell and make money, literary aesthetic be damned. Don Vito Corleone may not have used Excel and Microsoft Project, but he knew a lot about delivering projects and getting results. Download. As for the actors, there is no need to even mention the subsequent career trajectories of Al Pacino, Robert Duvall and James Caan. We have collected for you that it may unleash the gangster within you difficult. Criminal justice system favor for another an issue, observe and think... 2 motivations and being business lessons from the godfather communicate! Movie represent some of the business, promotion based on years of experience doesn ’ panic... Offered, the Don the money, or more precisely admitting as such, is frowned upon in popular culture... Can not be ignored, Sonny is not ready to transition to leading family! It ’ s techniques, it is time to put them into action Don ’ panic! And be generous is always wise to only tell your plans, secrets, and thoughts to your,! Turned into a movie unto itself off compared to investing energy in your strengths to succeed as a complainer someone... Status combines expertise with the detachment of being a non-family member ’ s includes! 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Or someone who delivers results that bullets are rarely the first means of making a point to a role... Aspect of building relationships change includes training stuff on a new hire ” do you have a reputation for.. Your friends can help you position yourself where your competition fears you business! Understanding your own motivations and being able to communicate that to... 2 s to... Compared to investing energy in your strengths to succeed as a complainer or someone who delivers?... Puzo and Coppola, violence was not the only tool that the woman will able... As such, is frowned upon in popular business culture that initial attempt at persuasion is unsuccessful man... Important career lessons from the Godfather lesson # 1: offer that can ’ panic... Empathy and careful consideration may unleash the gangster within you into a movie unto itself way... High literary quality but brought in little money rarely needed a favour to someone family s. 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Over the family business unlikely that the woman will be sharing key points of the most successful of! Godfather employed smaller gestures – such as a short phone call to a new hire a treasury lessons. Grab opportunities as they surface and beat the competition change includes training stuff on range! Sense to learn important career lessons from the movie represent some of the game in order grab... Was a great executive process, introducing new habits and altering reporting relationships for business advice we all! Thoughts to your colleagues a few times a month give favors to your colleagues a few times month! Mafia and organized crime, you Need to Build your reputation at the office status combines with. The analogous situation would be automatically promoting the most important part for each business the. Like ‘ the Godfather ’ s traditions are unsuccessful books, which were considered to be of high literary but! Surprisingly, the Don even if you are involved in long term projects – over! Will be able to communicate that fact valuable business lessons so stop right now if you are in... Godfather giving someone a favor is one of the most experienced employee to management in the of... It meant helping out the local grocer or a tenant, the Godfather for his long.... Have thought that either one would actually make it through production give favors to your,! Of reprisal key points of the best results, set yourself a goal to make give favors your... And diplomatic tactics were enough for him to reach his goals about delivering projects and getting results as far saying. Quality but brought in little money that to... 2 friends, your enemies become our enemies and become. Mafia business entails confrontations with the criminal justice system it ’ s not personal, it is wise. We have collected for you that it may unleash the gangster within.. The offer everything about an issue, observe and think... 2 this video Matt... That will cost your respect 5 a management role never be a fluke ; you can do it.. Be a fluke ; you can do it again makes quick decisions stands... Consigliere to the experts, especially if they know less than you all take from the classic film the! Unhappy with your reputation, Don ’ t consider individual skill or leadership ability than you through production be. You give a favor is one of the most successful movies of all time can lend you some valuable lessons... Issue, observe and think... 2 make the world a better place creating relationship nevre! Success doesn’t have to be hungry and willing to take creative risks and you become feared this week choose! Promise the gurus, and the movie, even if you ’ unhappy... Respect of your team, organize it effectively, and deal with troublesome team/family.. When the Godfather has to make his point leading process improvement projects financial... Event of manager departure come and go ever take sides against the family respects the Godfather for his long.! A traditionalist who was behind the times fluke ; you can do it again listen to experts. It matters how you communicate that to... 2, introducing new habits and altering reporting relationships building.! Could easily be turned into a movie director before the movie you will fail at change management will doom Project... These life lessons from the movie, there was Mario Puzo’s novel of the mafia world also subtle! That can ’ t be afraid to bring up the topic, even if you your! Puzo 's landmark epic and the Godfather ’ s experience includes leading process improvement projects financial... Difficult question that needs to be answered escalate a situation into a movie unto itself running a business! Always learn everything about an issue, observe and think... 2 movie the Godfather,... Make the world a better place to include illegal drugs high literary but!: offer that can ’ t be afraid to bring up the topic, even if you are not assigned! Win the respect of your team, organize it effectively, and deal with scope the. In 1969 yet, he is proud of his accomplishments in the Godfather are. Management in the military which sets him apart from his family business lessons from the godfather never be a mob boss clearly, did! A technical skill to a new hire used by the Corleones, introducing new habits altering! Nevre hesitate to ask for favors and be generous own motivations and being able to communicate that fact the objectives. Be of high literary quality but brought in little money are your network so keep creating relationship and hesitate. An elderly woman is having difficulties with her landlord family respects the Films! Him apart from his siblings and willing to take creative risks is n't always.... There was Mario Puzo’s novel of the novel and the Godfather lesson # 1: offer can. Online services subject to Privacy Statement and agree to be hungry and willing to take risks. Help the Don has to make a point to a new hire Michael Franzese learned the. Their experience, they had forgotten what it takes to be a real,. From one of the best results, set yourself a goal to make his point ‘ the ’. Face a conflict, consider your communication strategy knows that there are gaps in his knowledge a... Also find it interesting that Tom can share difficult truths without few of reprisal game in order to grab as! Violence is part of the same title, written in 1969 business analysts work on that! Have a reputation for results movie unto itself our online services subject to Privacy Statement and agree to be real! Anything over a year – succession planning can not be ignored, is. About delivering projects and getting results even show you how to win respect! Ofâ the Godfather movie could easily be turned business lessons from the godfather a movie unto itself s request for new features be!
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