PLAYBOY: Axioms of the Mafia Manager

Digging through a trough of PLAYBOY articles, I came across one that lists management axioms, Mob style. Naturally, being in management, these axioms caught my attention and I've listed a few that I may or may not have used or witnessed. I've said too much.  

"

If you can't win by fighting fair, fight foul. Or have a third party do your fighting.

Teach your tongue to say, "I don't know."

If you must strike out at someone when you get angry, be careful not to strike yourself.

It is much better that your enemies think you are crazy than reasonable and rational.

Nothing weighs less than a promise.

If you must hurt a man, do it so brutally that you need not fear his revenge.

The only way to keep a secret is to say nothing.

In any venture, overvalue the negative estimate of your prospects by two. Undervalue the positive estimates by half.

If you must lie, be brief.

Some defeats are better than victories; unfortunately, some victories are worse than defeats.

Often you lose the bait when you catch the fish. This is a necessary loss.

The best armor is to keep out of range.

If you are forced to bow, bow very, very low. And hold that bitter memory until you take your revenge.

Never knock someone else's racket. (You never know when you may be pulling the same stunt yourself.)

You can't put a good edge on bad steel.

When you are angry, close your mouth -- and open your eyes.

Money is welcome even if it comes in a dirty sack.

If you don't spot the mark in your first half hour at the table, you're it.

Out of 15 who flatter, at least 14 lie.

If you are the anvil, be patient; if you are the hammer, strike.

For peace, be ready for war.

Let your adversary talk. When he has finished, let him talk some more.

Don't teach your soldiers all of your cunning, or you may fall victim to yourself.

Better that your enemies overestimate your stupidity than your shrewdness.

To deceive an enemy, pretend you fear him.

After a victory, sharpen your knife.

If others fold every time you bet a good hand, you play to their eyes.

No one dies twice.

Victories are always temporary; so are defeats.

The best theories often make the worst practices.

Many a difference can be resolved between the sheets.

"

Source: V. (January 1996, volume 43, number 1). Axioms of the Mafia Manager. PLAYBOY. 103.