The Mafia Manager: A Guide to the Corporate Machiavelli

Had I had this book a few years back, maybe I would have spotted, understood and survived office politics I found myself in the middle of in my last job. Still, I am learning from it for my current job. Would recommend it to any person in a managerial position who was raised to believe you should not do upon others what you do not wish to have done to you. That sort of upbringing does not go well with corporate environment. If that is your case (too), you NEED this book, and a number of others, to learn what your parents failed to teach you.

It's entertaining with lots of advise - whether ethical or not - it resembles some people's behaviour in a corporate office. You don't need to learn how to do it, just be aware of the games that people play in the office. It will help you to identify some of them and avoid being caught in it.

This book offers advice that is more practical than one would initially expect. Having worked in the bureaucratic jungle of D.C. for a few years, I can say from experience that the author does quite a good job in explaining the nuances of the business world. This book cuts through a lot of the b.s. that is taught in a typical MBA program and offers some interesting insights into managerial thinking (or lack there of). Also, the author has a style that makes retention rather easy. While I still value humility and compassion in the workplace, the "Mafia Manager" portrays an environment that is more truth than fiction. Most management books are absolute garbage - this isn't one of them.

V. keeps with the original theme of The Prince which is heavily founded on the basis of force capability. The author did make some updates to the 500 year old theories which are much needed to clarify and bridge the gap between politics in Machiavelli's days and modern business. Also the book goes straight to the point in all of the chapters, which many philosophy books avoid. A great time saver, and very effective in the way of retention.

Forget all the "pop" business books telling you about "career strategies" and how to "get ahead in 12 easy steps". The "this thing of ours" has been around a whole lot longer than any corporation....and for good reason. V., if you're listening, how about a sequel, specifically geared towards smaller businesses/entrepreneurs?