Michael Corleone
From: The Godfather
Job Title: Head, “The Family Business”
He makes people offers they can’t refuse.

We all have been guilty of, worked with, for, or witnessed someone in a leadership role who would “flip a lid” at the drop of a hat. I believe “lid flipping management” runs in my family. Legend has it that my grandfather literally kicked his employee and son (my uncle) by the seat of his pants out the front door of his office into the street. The lid flipper believes getting angry is the only way to ‘drive’ motivation, but sustained motivation is not achievable by ‘drive’ alone. Long-term, that’s as difficult as pushing a string. Sustaining motivation is through teamwork, not ‘leader vs. others’ fueled by anger. The lid flipper is lazy, secretly hoping those around him will learn to ‘fix’ issues without disturbing him.

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$50 million (Reportedly)

Everything starts in your heart, for as he thinks in his heart – you can’t fool your heart. The toughest opponent you will ever face is always in the mirror because your limitations are self-imposed. You will never go any higher than your perceived value of yourself, nor will you do successful things until you see yourself worthy of success. Therefore, everything you have achieved is to the level of value you have placed on yourself. Where you are today is a collection of the thoughts and self-evaluation you had yesterday; where you go tomorrow is based on the thoughts and values you have today. Zig Ziegler said it this way, (more…)

Charles Ponzi 1882-1949 of which 15+ years was in prison. An Italian immigrant to the US became one of the most famous con men in American history. Hence the term “Ponzi Scheme”

I have had the privilege of working with top business coaches from around the country, some specifically skilled at sales. There are many beneficial techniques such as personality assessments, follow-ups, closing statements, etc. that if implemented correctly, can increase the chances of a sale. However, no sales technique has or ever will compare to authenticity. Being authentic trumps them all. Authenticity trumps slyness, or being a slick talker, in any negotiation worth being involved in.

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