When I explain the value of keeping people informed and engaged in what we do at the Port Authority, I recite the opening scene of the first Godfather movie. "Some day, and that day may never come, I may call upon you for a service."
When I try to make the point of the absolute need for everyone in the community to be on the same page on important issues, I'm reminded of the scene where Sonny shows a hint of disagreement with his Godfather in a negotiation over whether to get in a new racket or not. The lack of continuity gets the Godfather shot and, ultimately, gets Sonny killed. "Never tell anyone outside the family what you're thinking again" is good advice for any strategic negotiations.
Thinking about a analogous reason for prioritizing? I think of Clemenza saying, "Leave the gun. Take the cannoli."
What person hasn't said, "I'll make him an offer he can't refuse" as a terse reply to someone who doubts you can complete a sale?
Even my kids can inspire an occasional quote. "You gotta go, you gotta go" is pretty useful for potty breaks.
Plus, I never have to justify why I spend so much time with my kids instead of golfing or hunting or some other such thing. After all, as Vito says, "A man that doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man."
Of course, what person doesn't try to explain why some perceived slight wasn't really a slight? "It's not personal. It's strictly business."
No comments:
Post a Comment