A new decalogue for business and citizenship: true success offers a positive example. The title of the conversation a program: We only win together (Garzanti)
In this funny dialogue, very enjoyable in its thoughtful lightness, there is one role modelshe, and a builder of model, he. Yes, why Claudia Parzani an established business lawyer, president of the stock exchange, vice president of Il Sole 24 Ore, e Sandro Catani, a teacher expert in management and organizational models. She still young, on the rise; he does, but not downhill. Generation X, or fifty, her; baby boomer (definition that is a bit funny since we are all seventy years old), him.
They wrote for Garzanti We only win together. More than a dialogue, it is a sort of spiritual guide to full awareness of citizenship and not only of business. The protagonists are not the roles but the people. A baedeker valuable to deal with the challenges of diversity, inclusionof the green economy and to understand, in depth, the importance of the quality of human relationships and shared values. In a company, in a company, in a professional studio, in any production organization. Be allied, even in competition. Do not be enemies even in the toughest and most lively competition.
Success is not measured only by results obtained and even less from the power that springs from them. But from the goodness of interpersonal relationships. Relationships must be built over time, with patience. Success is achieved if you offer a positive example to others, useful to all. Not just to their bosses or shareholders. And it is appreciated above all in the ability to ignite a spark, as Claudia Parzani says, in the youngest, in those who are still studying. Even in those who believe they are excluded and have the right to hope. Listening counts, regardless of hierarchies and levels of responsibility. But it is also important to never lose humility, without which others are only an instrument, inert, sterile matter. Someone humble, and with a sufficient dose of self-irony, authoritative. Not – assures Catani – a weak leader, a fragile reference.
We want to believe him even if we notice the spread of a managerial caesarism as pompous as it is uncritical. Never a doubt. Even in some women of power.
The important thing is to always feel on the go (one of the eleven key words of the book), in the spirit of the pilgrim (him) and the curious stray (her). Never lose your smile, like that of the unknown sailor portrayed by Antonello da Messina. Catani recalls that the smile, in Greek mythology, was reserved for the gods and that they had it when mortals began to imitate them. In revenge their smile was turned into a grin, a grimace of pain. Parzani was also reprimanded by a very common mortal colleague lawyer. And what are you laughing at ?. But her smile gave her the sympathy of the other party and a great negotiating advantage.
Alongside success, there is failure. Not a shame if there is no pain. Nelson Mandela said: I never lose, or win or learn. It is difficult to accept defeat. For her, Parzani, not having become the number one in the world of Linklaters. But – he says – in the depths of my heart, I know that I have won another mile in the battle of my life, the one for inclusion, for opportunities for all. There is not only the right to make mistakes, but also the right to try again. In Sweden youth failures are rewarded. gone wrong, enough, get up and be stronger than before.
Every form of power carries with it a great or small responsibility. Especially that of giving to others, to offer them time and attention. When we talk about competence – another key word -, we forget that its root, when askingit means going together in a place, having a common goal, creating value, usefulness.
Each new day has a direction – says Parzani – and a small pearl that I will insert into the necklace of my life. Skills today age prematurely. Another reason to remain humble. A look at the Allegory of Prudence by Titian curbs vanity. The painting at the National Gallery with this maxim: On the basis of the past, the present prudently acts, so as not to spoil the future action.
We are all fragile (Reeds in the wind by Grazia Deledda, dear to the Sardinian Catani). Even a leader can confess it, the authors assure. But does it give us a solid direction to others or does it encourage doubts and weaknesses? Parzani is convinced that talent has no gender, no age, no ethnicity, no religion. A natural inclination, a predisposition, but without sacrifice it does not mature. And the obstacles to the enhancement of talent must be weighed well to be removed. Pretending that they do not exist does not help the culture of diversity which risks weakening in good intentions and in the solemnity of social balance sheets. Catani says: A board of directors disconsolately analyzes the market results after the company has been beaten by a competitor. The president asks why. “Because of the female leaders,” replies a councilor. “But we don’t have female leaders”, objects the leader. “We don’t, but the others do”, replies the councilor.
Women – explains Parzani – culturally look beyond the limits of their own life, opening up to the time of the future generation. Furthermore, by tradition, at least in most cultures, Responsibility for celebrations has always been assigned to them. And the party unites different generations in an ideal passing of the baton.
I’d rather die of passion than boredom claimed Vincent van Gogh. Catani and Parzani remind us that passion, indispensable in every human activity, is also suffering. But I can’t think – adds Catani – of anything more powerful than passion to allow a talent to explode, leave its mark, not feel fatigue, not feel fear.
To the final chapter on happiness, the authors they exchange their wish list. In the Parzani Decalogue there is a glass of red wine with fried brains, chocolate, marzipan and Haribo to finish. The Mediterranean Catani opts for spaghetti with garlic and freshly pressed oil with a friend.
And those who read, perhaps in dissent, are sure that – at least on the gastronomic side – the list of happiness be simply personal, free and infinite.
The appointment
GThe authors present the book at the Franco Parenti Theater in Milan on Wednesday 9 November at 7 pm with Monica D’Ascenzo. Free admission (reservations: teatrofrancoparenti.it and tel 02 59995206).
October 30, 2022 (change October 30, 2022 | 20:18)
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