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Email ThisI love movies. I had a DVD problem in college, but I have gotten help and it is under control. Some movies are made for business, they are about business and ooze the business mantras. Other movies are not so obvious but convey the same themes. Let’s examine five of my favorite business related movie quotes.
“All I got in this world is my word and my balls. And I don’t break ‘em for nobody!” - Tony Montana, Scarface.
Now ignoring the double negative there at the end, I love this quote. It conveys two things that I think are very important. One, make sure you know who is benefiting from your hard work, and if you are getting nothing out of it, get out of it. Two, your word is often all you have, stay true to your word, say what you mean, do what you say, and people will recognize and respect you.
“It’s not always the most popular person who gets the job done.” - Gordon Gekko, Wall Street
Mr. Gekko couldn’t have put this better. Just like the manager you despise or the peer that beat you in reviews last year, being good often harbors resentment from those around you, just ask a Netscape employees what they think of Microsoft. I suppose the most important thing is know who to be and not to be popular with. But realize, if your going to be Mr./Ms. Business, your not always going to be Mr./Ms. Popular.
“Our standards have to be higher than anyone else because we are the standard of everyone else.” Helen Caperelli, The Insider
This is what companies should live by. Work for any large multi-national company and you’ll know what I mean, it’s a popular theme. Values and standards are important. PR can make or break a quarter, and make and brake a company. My prime example is Arther Anderson. Anderson was the cream of the crop for years: nothing but smart, ethical, high standard individuals. One mistake, that wasn’t even illegal, and tens of thousands of people are out of jobs.
“Do me this favor. I won’t forget it. Ask your friends in the neighborhood about me. They’ll tell you I know how to return a favor. ” Vito Corleone, Godfather Part II
This is PR. Vito knew that the key to success was reputation. Through his reputation as an honest (not to the police so much), but firm man he forged ties and goodwill. I think this hints to loyalty. Not burning bridges and remembering when someone bent over backwards for you are keys to successful networking. A good reputation is your best salesman.
“The thing is, Bob, it’s not that I’m lazy, it’s that I just don’t care.” Peter Gibbons, Office Space
This is maybe my favorite. So to the point, it hits at the base of productivity, success, and failure. If you don’t care it will show. As a manager you must learn to inspire those underneath you, make everyone live and breath the cause; that is the foundation of a successful campaign. Before you come down on the underlying that is unproductive, look at yourself first. Did you inspire them? Make them own the cause?
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I totally agree with the last quote (not that I don’t agree with the others it’s just that this one sticks out to me). You should be able to follow a leader into battle, and some you won’t even follow into the bathroom. Leaders have to work harder for their employees than their employees work for them. Gain respect by your accomplishments for the team.
Two other important quotes:
Gordon Gekko’s quote, “Greed is good,” from Wall Street. That is why we work, unless you are a social worker.
Vito Corleone’s quote, “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” A good tip for negotiations.
@ Matt - I always felt that since a young age that the whole point of leadership was to develop those below you to replace you. You almost have to put the followers ahead of yourself! Thanks for the comment
@ Brandon - Those are two quotes I considered. Greed is good was probably number 6 but I didn’t want to do two from the same flick. The Vito quote is another good one, even though it is a more referencing extortion and threats.
Thanks Brandon!