By Ernie A. Cevallos
For books with pathos, dark human behavior, insights on how to gain power, and business leadership lessons there are two classics that are timeless: “The Prince” and “The Godfather”. One was written as a dissertation for the Medici family in 1513, and the other is a classic reference in American film culture that was based on a popular, though not best-selling novel, which went on to become one of the most popular movies of all time. Here is a synopsis of these two meaningful books, and the canny business and leadership advice presented.
The Prince
By Niccolo Machiavelli
1513
Camouflaged as a treatise and counsel for the Medici family, Niccolo Machiavelli offers his wisdom on human behavior, leadership, and an analysis on how to acquire and maintain power. The Prince is considered a blue print for narcissists; the types who excel at taking care of number one. Needless to say, the Machiavellian tactics to gain power are both praised and vilified—and still in use today. Machiavelli bared a fundamental truth that leads to business success: Empathetic concerns and true morality have little value in the day-to-day conduct of successful management and self-aggrandizement.
Some of the advice offered includes pre-emptive murder (well, not that drastic in corporate circles; let’s settle for firings) and destruction of one's enemies and, when necessary, of one's friends. It is better to be cruel than merciful. It is better to break promises if keeping them would be against one’s interests. Leaders should undertake great projects to enhance their reputation. A staff composed of one’s own subjects and allies is by far the most desirable kind.
The Prince is an astute observation on the dark psychology of leadership and ruthless quest for power. The embracing of its tenets has been at the center of virtually all executive success since the beginning of time. What Machiavelli wonderfully did was avail the schemes of the power players to anybody who cared to consider them. A firm grasp of Machiavelli’s beliefs creates an arsenal of tools and behaviors that is at once narcissistic, strategic, brutal, and results driven. It would be prudent to apply the ancient doctrine of caveat emptor here!
The Godfather
By Mario Puzo
1969
For a reference in the art of managing people—subordinates, peers and superiors alike—there is no equal to the Godfather. Don Vito Corleone demonstrated to be an inspirational leader by articulating a vision that greatly improved the financial standard of living experienced by men during the depression times. Most men begged for work and were demeaned in their search for work and the ability to feed their families. During these times there was no worker’s comp, minimum wage, social security, outplacement services, or social network to support people if they lost their jobs.
The vision of the Don released intrinsic motivation and the right behaviors from his people such as the ingrained attitude or oath of Omerta, and unwavering loyalty. In exchange the Don took great care of his people by paying good wages, protecting all family members, providing for the families of those that were sent to jail, using judges to get them off, and planning celebrations when they got out.
Some of the lessons include: Keep one's friends close but one's enemies closer. Building a wall of friends is an important aspect of being a successful man. Making offers that others can’t refuse…Communicate high performance expectations and express confidence in followers ability to achieve them—and never get angry, never make a threat, always reason with people. The novel also depicts the moral and ethical difference between what is personal and what must be done in the line of business. Ignoring the insights of this book or the movie means flirting with turning out like doomed, pathetic Fredo Corleone.
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