INTERVIEW ON THE PRICE OF BUSINESS SHOW, MEDIA PARTNER OF THIS SITE.

Recently Kevin Price, Host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business Show, interviewed Michael Marino.

The Michael Marino Commentaries

My grandfather, Michael, or “Marino One” as we refer to him across our now 5 generations of Marino’s, came to the US as a 15-year-old boy from Sant’ Angelo di Brolo, in Messina, Sicily. To trace his journey,  I often return to his birthplace, Sant’Angelo di Brolo. I enjoy observing our cultural differences on work, Life, and enjoyment. Most special are the interactions with my contemporary cousin, Joseph.  When discussing  “lavori, ” Joseph often is puzzled by Americans, including me, talking about  “work , work, work”, as if it were a religion. Joseph talks instead of the “joy of living,” and struggles to understand America being swamped in litigation and “contenzioso.” A chance business meeting demonstrated our differences..

Joseph is the Superintendent of Schools in Sant’ Angelo,  overseeing all the principals of the schools in the village.  One morning Joseph told me he had an important meeting with the principals. There were a lot of issues in the various schools, and difficult negotiations were to take place. He asked me to attend. What followed became embedded in my mind.  The meeting was held in the Superintendents office. Metal desks, no visible computers, no stacks of memos or files. When all 6 principals, were present,  somber men in suits,  they immediately engaged in animated, debate,  raised voices, arms flailing, fingers pointing, heads nodding, lots of “no’s and other lively gestures among them .They spoke in rapid fire Sicilian dialect, always standing, confronting , and disagreeing, for over two hours nonstop.  I could not understand the words.  I could see and witness, however, the sincerity in their voices and faces, and the genuine differences among them. The volume and pace were high and nonstop.  Then suddenly, without warning, silence. Smiles broke out, handshakes, bacetto– double cheek kissing– warm embraces, and hugs all around. No notes compared, no memos of understanding, no paper. Everyone departed, as quickly as they had arrived. I anxiously asked: Joseph,  what happened? Grinning ear to ear, gesturing famously with his hands, he stated: Mike, basta, WE SOLVE EVERYTHING!!

 Differences in various parties and interest groups results in disputes and challenges. In this case, these men had sincere differences in views and agendas. That was evident by observing their faces, their body language, their animated voices, even with the barriers to understanding their words.  It was also evident they had a common and higher goal. Their ultimate objective: resolving disputes to establish positive working relationships.  There was plenty of demonstrated emotion. Lots of interaction, communication, dialogue, but all within the framework of finding a solution.  Ultimately “old school” handshakes, professionalism, decency, respect, lead to solutions. the ultimate objective: WE SOLVE EVERYTHING, was achieved.

Take a page from Cousin Joseph’s playbook. Get a deal a handshake can enforce.

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