Manage Smarter 266 — The Mob and High-​Stakes Decision Making with Tom Beener

HOSTED BY C. LEE SMITH AND AUDREY STRONG
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Tom Beener is a securities attorney turned author, known for his book 'It's Better to March in Circles Than Not March at All.' Growing up with a father who was both a policeman and involved in the New York mafia, Tom Beener was exposed to a world of gambling and organized crime from a young age. 

Despite these influences, he pursued a career in law, becoming a securities attorney. His experiences have given him a deep understanding of the balance between moral integrity and ambition in business. Through his storytelling, Tom offers actionable insights into high-​stakes decision-​making and leadership under pressure, making his contributions to discussions on ethics in business both compelling and invaluable.

In this podcast for sales managers and executive leadership, Audrey Strong, C. Lee Smith and Tom Beener discuss:

Ethics in Business

Tom shares his personal stories of the importance of maintaining a strong moral compass in business, highlighting how ethical decision-​making can impact credibility and trust.

Leadership Under Pressure

The discussion explores how leadership in high-​stakes situations parallels everyday management, emphasizing the need for decisive and clear communication. Leaders are advised to make decisions without over-​explaining, as this can lead to unnecessary debate and controversy.

Decision-​Making Strategy

Tom introduces the concept of 'never complain, never explain' as a strategy for effective decision-​making. This approach encourages leaders to focus on facts and outcomes rather than getting bogged down in justifications, which can lead to exposure and vulnerability.

Credibility as Currency

Lee and Tom liken credibility to currency, highlighting that it takes time to build but can be quickly lost through poor decisions. Maintaining credibility requires consistent ethical behavior and decision-​making that aligns with organizational values.

Avoid Rule Bending

Tom warns against bending rules, as it can undermine a leader's credibility and trustworthiness. Leaders are encouraged to adhere to established codes of conduct to maintain integrity and foster a trustworthy organizational culture.

"You don't dwell. The more you try to explain your actions, the more you open the door for debate."

Tom Beener

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