Mob Rules

Introduction to Mob Rules

“Mob Rules” by Louis Ferrante is a captivating book that offers unique insights into the world of organized crime and how the skills and strategies employed by successful mobsters can be applied to legitimate businesses. Ferrante, a former member of the Gambino crime family who turned his life around after serving time in prison, draws on his personal experiences and those of other former mobsters to provide valuable lessons on management, leadership, negotiation, and other business-related topics.

Chapter 1:

The Gambino Way Ferrante begins by providing a brief history of the Mafia and its impact on American society. He then delves into the inner workings of the Gambino crime family, including its hierarchy, code of conduct, and methods of operation. He emphasizes the importance of loyalty, respect, and discipline, as well as the need for constant vigilance and adaptability in a world where betrayal and violence are commonplace.

Chapter 2:

Management by Fear In this chapter, Ferrante explores the use of fear as a management tool, drawing on his own experiences and those of other former mobsters. He acknowledges that fear can be effective in motivating people to perform their best, but also warns of the dangers of relying too heavily on fear and intimidation, which can lead to resentment, rebellion, and ultimately, failure.

Chapter 3:

Negotiation Ferrante argues that negotiation is a key skill in both the criminal and legitimate worlds, and provides examples of successful negotiations from his own experiences. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, patience, and the ability to read and manipulate others, as well as the need to always have a backup plan in case things don’t go as planned.

Chapter 4:

Branding Drawing on the example of the Mafia’s reputation for violence and ruthlessness, Ferrante explores the concept of branding and how it can be used to create a lasting and powerful image for a company or individual. He emphasizes the need for consistency, differentiation, and the ability to evoke emotions and associations in customers and competitors alike.

Chapter 5:

Risk Management Ferrante acknowledges that risk is an inherent part of both criminal and legitimate enterprises, and provides strategies for minimizing and mitigating risks. He emphasizes the importance of due diligence, contingency planning, and risk analysis, as well as the need to balance risk and reward and to be willing to take calculated risks when necessary.

Chapter 6:

Leadership In this chapter, Ferrante explores the qualities that make for effective leadership, drawing on the examples of successful mob bosses and other leaders he has encountered. He emphasizes the need for vision, courage, empathy, and the ability to inspire and motivate others, as well as the importance of leading by example and maintaining a strong moral compass.

Chapter 7:

Crisis Management Ferrante acknowledges that crises are inevitable in any business or organization, and provides strategies for dealing with them effectively. He emphasizes the need for clear communication, quick action, and the ability to maintain perspective and stay calm under pressure, as well as the importance of learning from past crises and constantly reassessing and refining crisis management strategies.

Chapter 8:

Networking Drawing on the Mafia’s extensive network of contacts and informants, Ferrante explores the concept of networking and how it can be used to create opportunities and achieve success. He emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining relationships, as well as the need to be strategic, resourceful, and willing to offer value and assistance to others.

Conclusion

In “Mob Rules,” Louis Ferrante provides a fascinating and insightful look into the world of organized crime and the lessons it can offer to legitimate businessmen and women. His personal experiences and those of other former mobsters provide a unique perspective.