A cinematic masterpiece charting one family’s journey in the world of organised crime, The Godfather film offers far more than just good entertainment value.
While no-one would advocate criminal activities as a lifestyle choice, the story is more relevant to modern business leadership and strategic thinking than you may realise, as the unique plot lends itself to many universal scenarios.
Based on a novel by Mario Puzo, The Godfather follows the Corleone family’s life in New York City from 1945 to 1955. Screen legend Marlon Brando stars in arguably his most famous role as Vito Corleone, the patriarch of a family empire built on crime.
The 1972 epic is the first, and many critics say the best, of a trilogy of Godfather films, with parts two and three released in 1974 and 1990 respectively. Business analysts in the 21st century have recognised the leadership lessons learned from the triple Oscar-winning film.
The art of influence and authority
Vito Corleone establishes and maintains his influence on others in a constantly changing landscape by being adaptable and adjusting his strategy when necessary. He’s assertive rather than aggressive towards other family members and associates, behaving with confidence and not arrogance to remain in authority. Depending on the circumstances, he will negotiate or power his way through a given situation to protect the family interests and maintain authority.
Being assertive is a general quality that everyone should aspire to, whether you’re speaking to peers, junior management or senior executives. Believe in what you’re saying and earn a reputation of authority to influence colleagues.
Being a leader at work means having the attributes of a skilled guide to chart a course through evolving circumstances. Adaptability and flexibility, as well as assertiveness, are desirable qualities to achieve this goal.
The power of strategic alliances
Forming strategic alliances is a vital part of leadership, as influence is often achieved through establishing trust. For example, when you’re trusted by a colleague, they’re more likely to accept your influence within the company hierarchy.
Learning how to build alliances at work is one of the most important things you can do. Corleone adopts a clever strategy to sustain alliances, which is displayed from the start of the film. In the opening scene, on the day of his daughter’s wedding, Corleone is in his office, listening to workers’ concerns and problems, offering advice on how to solve them and doing what he can to help. This establishes alliances with everyone he deals with, winning their trust and making it more likely he can sustain their allegiance.
When it comes to dealing with difficult people, the scene where Corleone negotiates with rival gangster Virgil Sollozzo is a classic example. Sollozzo has been throwing his weight around, so during the meeting, Corleone uses his negotiating skills to offer his rival a good deal that he can’t pass up. He knows his own strengths and how to use them as leverage in difficult meetings to negotiate a favourable solution, inventing one of The Godfather’s most famous quotes: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
Decision making under pressure
Decision making under pressure is a big part of leadership – and when the company’s future may depend on it, you must get it right. Corleone uses strategic thinking to protect his family’s interests and make the right decisions to solve potential problems as early as possible. He lives by the ethos, “It’s not personal, it’s strictly business,” when handling critical decisions that affect the future of his organisation. Separating business decisions from personal emotions is crucial.
While there’s nothing wrong with being passionate and emotionally invested in your business, it’s vital to make decisions based on data and facts, rather than personal preferences or bias. Corleone famously says, “Never hate your enemies, it clouds your judgement,” giving a timely reminder of the importance of how strong emotions like anger or hatred can stop you from making sound business decisions.
Long-term vision and foresight
Vito’s approach to long-term planning and vision for his family’s empire is based on calculated decision making and strategic thinking. Planning for the long term is something every business leader in the real world must do. Considering both the short and long-term impact of decisions is vital to your organisation’s future health.
In Corleone’s case, he was planning ahead for the future of his family, with a vision of his son Michael heading up a law-abiding Corleone empire one day. During a discussion with his son, he told him he wanted him to be Congressman or President Michael Corleone in the future.
Anticipating the consequences of your actions and the “ripple effects” of choices you make are an important part of running a business.
Loyalty and trust
Loyalty at work is a fundamental aspect of leadership and organisational cohesion. Corleone displays unwavering loyalty to his organisation and family in The Godfather. In the same way, real business leaders must cultivate trust and loyalty in their company.
Studies show loyalty has a vital workplace role, as it creates greater stability and brings mutual benefits for coworkers and the company. Employees who feel a sense of loyalty have more positive feelings, with 65% saying they enjoy job satisfaction and 20% experiencing passion towards their role.
A loyal employee is more productive, engaged and committed to achieving the organisation’s goals. This helps to improve team collaboration, create a positive culture and reduce the turnover of staff. A team joined by loyalty will put in the extra effort and be more dedicated, so as a leader, it’s your job to cultivate this kind of workplace culture.
As Corleone says, “Don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family,” which translates to never stand against one of your team in the workplace: instead, provide support and guidance. Start incorporating leadership strategies within your own professional life and lead by example to foster a positive workplace culture and aspire to achieve shared goals.
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