Mafioso: 9 Ways To Prove Your Loyalty

Mafioso: 9 Ways To
Prove Your Loyalty

Page 3 of 3

Rule 6: Take the fall for the team

This is like Rule 5, in that you actually take action to prove your loyalty. If your boss screws up, step up to the plate and take the blame. If you get busted by the cops on some racket you got going, say you acted alone. You'll easily acquire some valuable loyalty points that you can cash in at a later date.

Do it without hesitation and without question, or those you're trying to prove your loyalty to will question your motives and your sincerity to stand behind your decision to take the fall.

In a business setting, it happens all the time. You might have to be a scapegoat. If it's worth it, take the fall. Even if you get fired, they might rehire you when things cool down, or at least you've earned some respect with people who can help you later on in life. Never do it for someone who doesn't appreciate it though. The kind of people that will laugh at you for taking a fall for them are the same people you should never be loyal to anyway.

Rule 7: Be consistent

This rule sounds obvious, but it isn't to some morons out there. Even if you have to say no to someone, if your reasons are fair, you can still prove your loyalty. If you are one of those people who clings to a certain code of "ethics" like a pervert does to dirty underwear, then you likely have a long road ahead to prove loyalty because you never bend rules — a necessary action.

Over time, consistency shows reliability. And people trust reliability. People like reliability. People associate reliability with loyalty. It's the same with the stand-up guy who's always the referee when you play a game of soccer. He'll sometimes call something against you, and sometimes call in your favor, but as long as he's consistent, you'll always want him to be part of your "game." Get it? Good, because that's my last analogy for today.

Rule 8: Bring cash (thick envelopes are good too)

You want to prove your loyalty? Earn cash for someone else. There's nothing that gets me out of my chair for a pat on the back quicker than when one of my capos brings me a fat envelope with greenbacks.

But don't do it with reluctance or with an angry smirk on your face. Do it to prove your loyalty. In fact, do it with a smile or your intentions will be questioned.

Sure, in almost every business and every job, someone is making money for someone else — we are a country of 1% leaders and 99% followers — so how does earning business set you apart? Like I said, doing your job and being good enough won't cut it. Earn more business than you have to and more than anyone else, and you'll not only earn loyalty, you'll get it back.

Rule 9: Stick around when times are tough

It's only when crap hits the fan that you truly see people's loyalty. It's never in good times. When a company is doing well, everyone will talk the talk and pat one another's backs. But when times are tough, when your raise goes the way of the typewriter, that's when you really prove your loyalty to your boss.

Same thing with a friend. When he's inviting you to his country cottage and sharing his wine with you, it's easy to be best buddies. But when he gets a divorce and his wife gets all the good stuff, are you still going to have those "great" weekends in his one-bedroom apartment with warm beer and cold pizza?

Most days, you can get away with being loyal without proving it. But when your company or friend goes through hell, that's when you prove what your loyalty's worth.

these are the rules

That was the last rule and, in some ways, the most important (along with Rule 1). That's it for today.

Watch your backs and keep your noses clean.

Mr. Mafioso answers your e-mail

Editor's note: This reader's e-mail has not been edited and is presented as is.


It is reputed that Italian born Salvatore Cufari was a boss in Springfield, Massachusetts, between 1925 and 1974 and had connections to the Gambino and Genovese crime families. What information can you tell me about Salvatore "Big Nose" Sam Cufari?


Dear Terey,

What do I look like, a freaking phone book over here? Listen Teresa, you want a history lesson? Get a library card and read up on it. I'm not here to talk about anyone, especially anyone who might or might not be an associate of an associate of mine. Do me a favor, stop with the stupid questions or I'll have to come over there and slap you good.

Stata Buon,
Mr. Mafioso

More Like This


      Best of the Web

        Special Features