What Would Tony Do?

By Shirley Brady

A new business book, Tony Soprano on Management, trolls The Sopranos' first four seasons for pearls of wisdom from the godfather of New Jersey. Released just weeks before the series' new season hit HBO, the tome, subtitled "Leadership lessons inspired by America's favorite mobster," deals with issues facing any manager in today's uncertain economic climate.

Author Anthony Schneider praises his subject's decision-making and delegating skills, from employee loyalty and conflict resolution to power struggles and managing change. "In the five minutes it takes to sip an espresso," Schneider observes, "Tony analyzes a situation, listens to the background and arrives at a decision. Bada boom." (Or as Tony puts it, "A wrong decision is better than indecision.")

But is it? There are also tips on "managing up" from Carmela, Tony's at-home CFO, while blunt chapter headings such as "Busting Balls and Building Teams" remind the reader that the violence-prone and truth-bending Tony often resorts to management tactics such as whacking that would be frowned upon in corporate America. But never mind. There are plenty of biz book staples such as case studies, worksheets and examples from Schneider's own employees at his Web design firm to balance Tony's "lessons." Think of it as an MB-yo-not a wise guide-and as a biz-savvy fan's take on his favorite series.