Corrupt But Effective - From Tony Soprano to Vic Mackey (and circling back to Jersey City's Hague polical machine)

In traditional society, corruption has a bad rep. But, that could be the only way things can be done effectively and efficiently. Isn't it naive to attempt to eradicate it. The objective might be just to keep a lid on it. There's an old saying in New York City: As long as the rats stay in the basement and don't come upstairs in the restaurant to dine with the guests, consider that things are fine. 

In "The Sopranos" Tony Soprano manages well. His operation achieves its results. The members, with an exception here and there, are loyal. His style provides useful lessons in leadership. 

Likewise in the 2002 -2008 television series "The Shield," major character Vic Mackey is the one parachuted in for crimes that urgently need to be solved. Yes, he's a dirty cop. That includes profiting from the drug trade and other underground activities. As with Soprano's organization, Mackey's special group of detectives would take a bullet for him - literally.

This dark dynamic had dominated politics in old-line urban areas such as Jersey City, New Jersey. The ethos was known as The Hague Machine. Its operations were tyrannical. But people got jobs. The streets got cleaned. And public education was good. 

Yet, there are absolutists who want to wipe out corruption. Not only is that impossible. Probably not much would get done.

2023. The way through the uncertainty, AI disruptions and need to conserve financial resources is to be proactive and a lot smarter. That ranges from your organizational communications to career issues.  Complimentary consultation with award-winning marketing communications crafter and coach Jane Genova. (For appointments text 203-468-8579 or janegenova374@gmail.com)