During the COVID-19 quarantine, I had a lot of time to binge watch TV. One of my all-time favorite movies is The Godfather. Michael Corleone, played by a young Al Pacino, is the son of the most powerful organized-crime family in New York. His father, “Don” Vito Corleone, is old-school like me. Of course, he’s affectionately referred to as “The Godfather,” and I’m known as “The Cleaning Lady,” but I digress.
Don Corleone brings in Michael to handle the business and hopefully avoid a war with the other five Mafia families in power. I believe that we can learn a lot from The Godfather, and I am sharing these important Italian rules with the family … my Skillset family. Remember, “It’s not personal, Sonny … it’s strictly business.”
- — Don’t ever take sides with anyone against the family. Ever.
- — Never offer to start the car for the boss.
- — Always leave the gun and take the cannoli.
- — Never go out for a boat ride on Lake Tahoe.
- — If you’re not invited to the baptism, don’t stay home!
- — Avoid toll booths at all costs.
- — Never discuss business at the table.
- — A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.
- — Always show respect.
- — Make sure you have at least one friend like Luca Brasi.
- — Make them an offer they can’t refuse.
