︻デ═一 7 Life Lessons from the Mafia??

I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse - The Godfather??

︻デ═一 7 Life Lessons from the Mafia

When most people hear about the Italian mafia, they think of gun-trotting, trigger-happy gangsters in dark suits led by a dangerously calm Don.

But that's not all. Behind their deadly facade, the mafia is governed by codes of honor, rules, and ethics that dictate its operations and more so the lives of its members.

I have compiled seven life lessons from the mafia that can improve your personal as well as business life.

1?? Keep Your Friends Close but Your Enemies Closer.

Always be aware of your enemies' next move before they execute it. This will help thwart surprise attacks and plot retaliation.

In Godfather I, Micheal executes the head of five rival families in a single day, preventing a gang war aimed at the Corleone family.

Also, be wary of the people you call friends. They are more dangerous than your enemy for they are easily aroused by jealousy.

2?? Your Word is Your Honour.

People talk too much and mean less in their words. In the process of blabbering, they reveal their weaknesses and folly.

Say what you mean and mean what you say. Don't make a promise if you don't intend on keeping it. Speak less, listen more.

You gain people's trust if your words are consistent with your actions. Respect is earned not given. One mouth, two ears.

3?? Calm is a Superpower.

Control your emotions. Emotional control is the ability to keep your head cool when others are losing theirs. This gives you power over them.

Vito and Micheal are dangerously calm. They rarely react making it difficult to know what they are thinking but end up with logical solutions.

The loudest person in the room is the weakest one. The really strong know there is nothing to prove by overreacting.

4?? Trust is A Dangerous Game.

Do you trust yourself? If yes, then, if sometimes you let yourself down, what makes you believe others won't intentionally let you down?

Remember Cain and Abel, Jesus and Judas, Ceasar, and Brutus.

In The Irishman (2019), Jimmy Hoffa is assassinated by his best friend, Frank. The seemingly innocent people lay the deepest traps and graves.

Never trust anyone.

5?? Keep Your Circle Small

Survival in the underworld as in business and personal lives depends on the people around you. Your network should be loyal and capable.

In the mafia, ratting your comrades means death. In the real world, you should not hesitate to show fake and disloyal friends the door.

"Be careful whom you call your friends.?I'd rather have one four-quarters than 100 pennies." - Al Capone.

6?? Reputation is Everything

Everyone is a gangster until The Godfather steps into the room.

You don't need to introduce yourself if people know what you stand for, and what you are all about. Your reputation is your badge of honor.

Craft your persona carefully and guard it with your life. In the end, we are judged by our actions and deeds.

7?? Never Outshine The Master.

This is the first law in Robert Greene's magnum opus, The 48 Laws of Power.

The Godfather is the ultimate leader of a mafia family. He holds the power to order punishments and executions of unruly gang members.

If you're working for someone, it is a smart idea to pay tribute to their leadership. It never pays to step on a great man's shoes.

You don't have to join the mafia to learn from the wise guys. You are the Don of your junior mafia empire.

Quote your favorite line from a mob movie.

(a) The Godfather - I, II, III

(b) The Goodfellas

(c) American Gangster

(d) The Irishman

(e) Scarface

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