Frank Kollman

This past weekend, I visited my son at Ohio State University. I sat through four baseball games in nearly freezing weather, warmed only by the no-hitter he threw against Kent State University. I had some down time, so I decided to go to a bookstore and find some light reading.

On a shelf marked “our staff recommends” was a trade paperback of the novel The Godfather, a book I had read more than 20 years ago. It was a lot cheaper than the three-DVD set of the Godfather Trilogy movies, so I bought it. I also bought a book on James Madison and the Scottish influence on American thought, hardly light reading, so the choice of The Godfather must have confused the clerk.

I finished the book the day after I returned from Columbus, and I remembered why the book was so compelling.

The book deals with the psychology of business and family, and while organized crime should rarely ever be a role model, employers can learn from Don Corleone’s approach to management. In addition, it gives me a more interesting way to express my views on management labor relations.

So, what were the traits the Godfather had that would serve an employer well? I can think of several.

Recognize the strengths and limitations of others. Don Corleone passed over his two older sons to make Michael his successor. He made decisions based on how he thought people would perform in the future, not necessarily how they performed in the past.

We all know who our best and worst employees are. So, why do we still make decisions that run contrary to those strengths and limitations? The Godfather never promoted an employee strictly based on seniority; he promoted based on the ability to do the job. Employers should do the same.

Don’t make threats you do not intend to keep. In fact, the Godfather rarely had to make a threat.

With employees, you need to inspire their loyalty, yet instill a healthy fear of consequences. If they make serious mistakes, discipline them. If they do well, reward them.

Never show weakness. Employees (and competitors) will exploit your weaknesses.

If you absolutely need an employee, do not show that you are afraid to lose him. He may become unbearable. Instead, inspire loyalty with rewards and recognition.

Eliminate your enemies. Fire bad employees. They can only hurt you in the long run.

Bribe people. No, I’m not recommending that. But you should stay on the good side of politicians and the police.

Problems with state agencies can be lessened by the intervention of a state assemblyman or senator. Picketing or a strike can be managed by police friendly to your business. A legitimate $25 political contribution can go a long way.

Reason with people and make them offers they can’t refuse. Of course, the Godfather used these phrases with tongue in cheek.

Nevertheless, employees respond best to honest explanations and answers. Employees want information, and even bad news can be made palatable with accurate, detailing information.

Collect favors. The Godfather’s strength was the devotion of the people he had helped.

A good, enlightened employer can ask employees to put in the extra effort, and they will not want to let him down. A bad employer can ask employees to work harder and find them inclined to work less.

Break the rules. Sometimes, following the rules is counterproductive. Don’t violate the law, obviously, but don’t be rigid in following policies and procedures. There may be times when modifications are necessary. Reasonableness should be the standard, not strict compliance.

Distrust government. Don Corleone distrusted government because he knew that government employees could be petty, weak, corrupt, or incompetent.

Remember, OSHA thinks employers want to hurt their employees, and the EEOC thinks employers are unfair. Do not let agencies such as these push you around. Fight back.

Finally, the Godfather looked after his family. You should look after your employees, being fair whenever you can. It may be difficult at times, but work at it. The rewards should be increased productivity and fewer lawsuits.

Of course, human nature will always make employees begin to feel that they are entitled to the special treatment they are given by good employers. In those instances, the Godfather took steps to make people fell less comfortable, to appreciate what they had. I’m not sure how an employer can do that in the workplace, but we can dream.

Frank Kollman is a partner in the law firm of Kollman & Saucier, PA, in Baltimore, MD. He can be reached by phone at (410) 727-4300 or fax (410) 727-4391. His firm’s web site at www.kollman-law.com has articles, sample policies, news and other information on employee/employer relations.