Life Lessons From The Godfather: Always Show Respect

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.