Vito Corleone and Trust: Business Relationships and Beyond

Vito Corleone, the iconic character from The Godfather, is often portrayed as a man of honor and loyalty. However, was his trust in his top men such as Genco Clemenza, Tessio, Luca Brasi, and Frankie Pentangeli truly unshakeable? Or was it mainly rooted in business relationships rather than personal friendships and trust?

Corleone's trust was not absolute; he trusted until he didn't, especially when given a reason not to. This flagship statement highlights the complexity of his relationships and the careful balance he maintained between loyalty and mistrust.

IT ALWAYS STARTS OUT WITH JUST BUSINESS

According to the novel, Vito Corleone initially trusted his men on the basis of business cooperation. Clemenza, for instance, was a friend in the early days, but even he showed the respect a Godfather deserves. Clemenza, like many others, would call Vito 'Don Corleone' out of the respect and recognition of the position he held.

Trust was not unearned; it was carefully cultivated through both business and personal relationships. Clemenza ranked at the top of this list, despite the initial business dynamics. Next came Luca Brasi, and then Tom. However, it is important to note that none of these men were trusted unconditionally, with the notable exceptions of his wife and his son, Michael. Any betrayal of trust could and would be met with severe consequences.

A PERSONAL TOUCH

Vito Corleone's approach to managing his business was, to a large extent, personal. He wasn't just a cold, calculating figure. For example, when dealing with a widow, Vito went beyond mere business by helping her keep her apartment. He advocated for a fair deal with a Neapolitan landlord, refusing to use his influence to bully him into submission. Instead, he negotiated and, despite being insulted, accepted an apology and treated the landlord with respect. This show of personal integrity was evident in his interactions, making any delegation of such duties impossible.

It is precisely this personal touch that attracted the admiration of his men but also kept them in line. Vito was not one to let important matters slide, even those that did not directly pertain to him. As an example, he personally dealt with issues that others might have preferred to delegate, such as killing his parents' killer in Sicily and visiting Haller with Brasi. Such personal involvement would set a precedent, making it clear what to expect when dealing with those treated as family.

A DRAMA OF TRUST AND FEAR

Vito's rise to power was marked by his meticulous attention to detail. This approach stood in stark contrast to that of his predecessor, Don Fanucci, who ignored Vito's desperation, leading to his downfall. Fanucci's neglect of the details and Mariposa's brutality towards his own people also contributed to the loss of loyalty from subjects like Barzini. Vito did his absolute best to avoid falling into the same trap, whether dealing with those he loved and protected or those he wanted punished or worse.

This approach was a double-edged sword. While it fostered admiration, it also made his men wary and complied with his strict standards. The phrase 'if by some chance an honest man like yourself made enemies, they would become my enemies' encapsulates Vito's philosophy. This is evident in his handling of Bonasera, a case that remained personal even in the context of the mafia.

The result was a series of events where Vito's personal involvement in significant matters led to significant transformations. His two attempts on his life could have been avoided, but he refused to let fear cloud his judgment. Vito's conviction that details matter and his personal touch were crucial to his rise, maintenance, and eventual challenges in power.