Customer Reviews

The Mafia Manager : A Guide to the Corporate Machiavelli

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book offers advice that is more practical than one would initially expect. Having worked in the bureaucratic jungle of D.C. for a few years, I can say from experience that the author does quite a good job in explaining the nuances of the business world. This book cuts through a lot of the b.s. that is taught in a typical MBA program and offers some interesting insights into managerial thinking (or lack there of). Also, the author has a style that makes retention rather easy. While I still value humility and compassion in the workplace, the "Mafia Manager" portrays an environment that is more truth than fiction. Most management books are absolute garbage - this isn't one of them.

It's entertaining with lots of advise - whether ethical or not - it resembles some people's behaviour in a corporate office. You don't need to learn how to do it, just be aware of the games that people play in the office. It will help you to identify some of them and avoid being caught in it.

V. keeps with the original theme of The Prince which is heavily founded on the basis of force capability. The author did make some updates to the 500 year old theories which are much needed to clarify and bridge the gap between politics in Machiavelli's days and modern business. Also the book goes straight to the point in all of the chapters, which many philosophy books avoid. A great time saver, and very effective in the way of retention.

I found the book to be only mildly useful and the author's attempts at humor rarely funny (mainly cliches re: organized crime). There are far better books for fresh insight to management - see Farson's Management of the Absurd.

Had I had this book a few years back, maybe I would have spotted, understood and survived office politics I found myself in the middle of in my last job. Still, I am learning from it for my current job. Would recommend it to any person in a managerial position who was raised to believe you should not do upon others what you do not wish to have done to you. That sort of upbringing does not go well with corporate environment. If that is your case (too), you NEED this book, and a number of others, to learn what your parents failed to teach you.

I read this book 2 years ago and picked it up again for guidance!!! Its common common sense. The references to human ego, are on target! However, don't get confused; this book isn't on how to be a leader. This book is for leaders that find themselves in organizations (old and new) bound by red-tape, corporate beuracracy, and "...the family business" -- yet hope to reach the top "...of a bone pile."

Forget all the "pop" business books telling you about "career strategies" and how to "get ahead in 12 easy steps". The "this thing of ours" has been around a whole lot longer than any corporation....and for good reason. V., if you're listening, how about a sequel, specifically geared towards smaller businesses/entrepreneurs?

"Only a powerful, wise man, the DON-himself could know so much"

Tony Soprano as a CEO? Fugedabodit! This book is the real deal - a tough, direct, no-nonsense guide to management. Use the practical advice in this book, and you'll either be bumped up or bumped off! Mafia references aside, this is really a fun and useful read.

The success of the Mafia Manager lies much in its brash, unflinching analysis of organizational behavior: what makes people tick, what ticks people off, and the means by which to secure advancement in a world where the most important rules are unwritten.

The advice offered is nothing new, of course. However, it is the delivery, with all the refreshing and tongue-in-cheek Mob references, that drive the author's point home in ways that ordinary "management" books fail. Some might appreciate the humor (I did), and others might not. If you can see big business as a cartel of thugs trying to carve up the profits of an autopilot enterprise (as I do), you will likely find the humor in the Mafia Manager to jibe with your dark cynical and manipulative perspective. On the other hand, Stephen Covey fans seeking to "empower" employees, might understand or appreciate the ruthless tactics suggested by V.

Highly recommended!