“Working with Family”
Google Movie Synopsis:
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, this mob drama, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). When the don's youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), he is drawn deeper into the family business.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, this mob drama, based on Mario Puzo's novel of the same name, focuses on the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando). When the don's youngest son, Michael (Al Pacino), reluctantly joins the Mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay (Diane Keaton), he is drawn deeper into the family business.
Scenario:
A rival family just hit Don Corleone. In retaliation,
Corleone’s oldest son Sonny (James Caan) orders a hit against Bruno
Tattaglia (Tony Giorgio).
In response the rival family offers a truce that Sonny is reluctant
to accept. Clearly and understandably emotional, Sonny wants blood.
Nevertheless, Tom Hagen (Robert Duvall), the family’s consulare, or attorney,
is trying to carry out the wishes of Don Corleone by remaining focused on the
family business.
Selected
Scene:
Sonny: Listen to this, the Turk wants to talk. My God, do you imagine the nerve on this son of a bitch? Craps out last night and wants a meeting today.
Tom: What did he say?
Sonny: What did he say? Bara beep, bara bop, he wants us to send Michael to hear a proposition. And the promise is that the deal is so good that we can’t refuse it.
Tom: What about Bruno Tattaglia
Sonny: It’s part of the deal. Bruno cancels out what they did to my father.
Tom: Sonny, we oughtta hear what they have to say.
Sonny: No. No. No! No more! Not this time, Consulare. No more meetings, no more discussions. No more Sollozzo tricks. You give them one message ’I want Sollozzo’ if not it’s all out war!
Tom: Some of the other families won’t sit still for all out war!
Sonny: If they hand me Solanzo....
Tom: This is business not personal.
Sonny: ...they shot my father...
Tom: even shooting your father was business, not personal, Sonny.
Sonny: Well then business will have to suffer, alright?
Business Tip:
Family
businesses certainly have their differences than non-family businesses. But
many of the issues still remain the same—politics, squabbles, and your
traditional workplace issues. Arguably, the biggest issue with a family-owned
business is “Is the primary objective profits or taking care of the family?”
As in the
Godfather, the family is the
business, however, in Sonny’s case he clearly sacrifices business for his own
desires that one can argue is driven by a familial connection. Having a clear
distinction between family and business issues are vital in the success of both
the business and family. And in many
cases require a documented understanding (see Business Tip “Clear & Present Danger”)
Chart:
Questions Family businesses should discuss internally
1. Is the patriarch spending enough time minding the
business?
2. Are you putting profits first, family second?
3. Are non-family members unmotivated due to a perceived
favoritism among family?
4. Do personal battles dominate the workday creating a
hostile environment?
5. Are there too many family members on the payroll?
6. Are family members hired for positions they are not
qualified for, simply because they are family?
Source:
American Management Services, Inc.
