LEADERSHIP SOPRANOS STYLE: How to Become a More Effective Boss

In an era when good leadership is scarce, the unenlightened should look not to their politicians, teachers, clergy or family members, but to the one and only Tony Soprano, the infamous New Jersey–based Mafioso of the television series that shares his name. Or so says Himsel, a corporate executive specializing in teaching and studying corporate management, who here paints a picture of a leader who, while not particularly law-abiding or conventional, knows how to get the job done. When it comes to the illegal, distasteful line of work Tony is in, Himsel asks readers to look the other way and suspend disbelief in the name of learning effective management techniques: Tony Soprano's illegal deals become diversifying revenue streams in Himsel's hand; stock schemes, housing scams and kickbacks can be seen as ongoing lines of business; and instead of whacking someone, Himsel suggests eliminating the competition. Those who are intrigued by these suggestions will be treated to a well-researched and documented management how-to that does have something new to offer Tony fans and nonfans alike (be sure to check out the Soprano Family Business Plan) and that could, as well, teach MBAs "a thing or two about leadership." While using the typical management buzzwords—networking, strategizing, delegating, executing—that generally lead to the eyes glazing over, Himsel manages to inject some newness into the business-as-usual theorizing that tends to characterize the many tell-don't-show works already out there. (Dec.)

FYI: On the topic of business Soprano style, Berkley will publish in February Tony Soprano on Management: Leadership Lessons Inspired by America's Favorite Mobster by Anthony Schneider ( $14 paper ISBN 0-425-19494-9).