Television and movies, like history, can provide us with insights on leadership – both good and bad. The mob boss as a leader is not new. It has been explored in both movies and on television going back to the early days of both forms of entertainment. The latest television mob boss will soon be gone. Left to the world of reruns and DVDs. What was Tony Soprano taught us about leadership? Is he a leader to be emulated or to be avoided? In spite of the profession (crime), I say that many but not all of Tony’s traits are those of an effective leader regardless of the profession or field.
Listening
Whether it is his lieutenants, his opposition or his “customers”, Tony Soprano has demonstrated time after time that he is a good listener. Not that he lets people go on and on. He is looking for the facts so he can make a decision. A big part of every leader’s job is to listen. Many leaders are very poor listeners. An effective leader must learn to listen: to employees, customers or clients, professional peers and others. The more a leader listens, the more she will have better points of reference for any issue or decision that arises.
Communication
Although Tony Soprano does not have a Harvard MBA, he is a good communicator. He knows how to get his message across to those around him. He is clear and to the point with his lieutenants and other underlings. Tony is clear in his business dealings with his “customers” and his competition (rival mobs such as in New York). The people around him always know where he stands and what is expected of them. He may not have talking points on a PowerPoint presentation but he always has his talking points. Today, some leaders like to talk to groups. Others like to talk to individuals. And others prefer letters or e-mails. There is no one right way to communicate. The point is to communicate. It must be direct, clear and to the point. Say what you mean. It is easy to get caught up in business or professional jargon. Regardless of the audience, make sure you communicate thoughtfully and clearly.
Decision making: Gut vs. Analysis
No spreadsheets for Tony Soprano. But he operates from the facts. Time and again he gathers the facts and then makes a decision based on his evaluation of the facts based on his experience and his “gut” (a sizeable one at that!). Sometimes he asks for input from those around him. Regardless, he stands by his decisions – no flip-flopping for Tony. The MBA revolution has produced many business leaders who require mountains of data and reports to make even the smallest decision. There is a growing movement among leaders to “go with the gut” when it comes to decisions large and small. Is there a right way to make decisions? Frankly, the best decisions evolve from some level of analysis plus experience (or “gut” instinct). The point is to make decisions. Make them often. Too may leaders today avoid making decisions and defer to teams, committees and task forces. While input may come from these bodies, ultimately the leader should make the final decision.
Lead by Example
Tony Soprano NEVER asks his men to do what he wouldn’t or hasn’t done himself. Whether it is collecting pay-offs, arson, teaching someone a lesson, murder – or just getting “in someone’s face” Tony demonstrates what the military describes as leading from the front or leading by example. He gets his hands dirty. Tony takes risks. And his mob lieutenants and other underlings love and follow him for just those very reasons. Most great leaders have someone they look up to – whether an historical figure or a mentor. A model for leadership is not only valuable – it is essential. At the same time, every leader – regardless of position or stature – should mentor others and serve as an example. An effective leader will want others to live up to and carry on their style and techniques in the future.
Prioritization
Tony Soprano loves his family, golf, fishing, watching the HISTORY CHANNEL, good food, the pleasures of the flesh, animals and travel. But he (almost) always puts his business (making money through his mob organization) first. Yes, he mixes business with pleasure more often than not. But business is business and takes priority. He know what he has to do every day and who has to bring in what (in cash) to keep the machine well-oiled. Every leader wakes up every day with a “to do list”. Some items on the list are at their discretion. Others are imposed by others: customers, investors, subordinates, other external or internal bodies. Are you a prisoner to someone else’s priorities for your day? It is up to the leader to insure that every block of “work time” every day focuses on actions essential to meeting and exceeding the short and long term objectives of the office or position. This does not mean no time with family or to exercise or to socialize. What it does mean is that working hours – whether from 8-5 or from 5-8 should be focused and deliberately spent on activities which will serve – in the end – to meet and exceed specific performance objectives.
Be Authentic
While Tony Soprano from time to time discusses his heroes such a John Kennedy and military leaders such a Generals Patton and Rommel, he is his own man. He is the product of his New Jersey mob-based culture and his environment, but he does not pass himself off as a copy cat of any other mob boss or other leader. His style is uniquely his own. Imitating Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton will not serve any aspiring leader well. Your style of speaking, dress and more evolved from your family background, education and career-to-date. Be yourself. By imitating the gestures, speech patterns, attire or other mannerisms of someone who is famous, you are only making yourself a caricature of that person – and that does not translate into effective leadership. Authenticity is the mark of a real leader.
Walking the Talk
When Tony Soprano says something – he lives it. His decrees care enforced as the law of the land. While unwritten, his mob organization has a vision, values and a culture. And Tony with the help of his lieutenants makes sure that all the members of his organization live them every day – as odd as that may seem. Tony lives them and he expects those around him to do so also. Today one only has to look at the front page of any newspaper to see examples in business, government and the non-profit world of leaders who are not role models. These leaders are the height of “do as I say, don’t do as I do”. Leadership by example should be one of the most fundamental goals for leaders at all levels regardless of their profession or field. Employees at all levels perform better for leaders who “walk the talk”.
Good bye Tony Soprano. We have learned a lot about leadership from you over the years. Many future leaders will have an opportunity to continue to learn from Tony’s leadership through endless reruns and DVDs of the cable television series. While a mob boss may seem like an odd role model for leaders today, in many ways, Tony Soprano has served as a better one than many in the corporate America, the non-profit sector and the US government.
George F. Franks, III is the President of Franks Consulting Group - a Bethesda, Maryland management consulting and leadership coaching practice. He is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants (USA). His web site is:http://franksconsultinggroup.comHis FREE monthly e-zine is:
http://careerandleadership.comGeorge can be contacted at:
gfranks@franksconsultinggroup.com
