Business Takeaways From ‘The Wire’

In the last couple months I watched all five seasons of HBO’s The Wire, a drama series set in my college city of Baltimore (a major factor in my decision to watch). I had heard good things about the show from a professor at my school, whose Introduction to Business class I had taken the in the fall. This professor repeatedly quoted the show, and told everyone in class who had not seen it to immediately watch it. I discovered that he was not the only fan of the show, as critics and reviewers have repeatedly called it “the best show ever.” I do not disagree.

There are a number of takeaways from the show; things we can learn from the unique styles and characteristics of the main drug constituents and players. This brief analysis of these characters will probably make more sense to you if you have seen the show, but the ideas and messages conveyed are applicable and relevant to anyone in a business setting.

The following characters all have different approaches to their business and have varying levels of success. If we do our best to learn at least one thing from each of them, we will have gained more from The Wire than 60+ hours of pure entertainment and Tom Waits’ “Way Down in The Hole” stuck in our heads.

Joe Stewart, aka Proposition or Prop Joe is a clear front runner for having a style that would meld with upper level management in any business. Prop Joe got his name because of the way that he settles disputes, by presenting deals (propositions) to the other party. Joe is a strong negotiator, a skill any businessman would be happy to have. Joe was the first to broker a deal with the Greeks to receive the highest quality heroin available, in order to get the most sales on the street. He single handedly had the idea to form a co-op with the other drug dealers around Baltimore, an organization which would run smoothly, keeping violence at a minimum and profits maximized. The forming of the co-op is a great example of Prop Joe’s ability to see the advantages with compromise and cooperation.

Avon Barksdale and Stringer Bell grew their organization together and essentially controlled the West Side drug trade in its entirety. Stringer and Avon have different personalities and different management styles.

Avon focuses on what he knows, and does not want to venture outside of his business. Avon is successful in his endeavors because he knows the business and sticks to what has worked in the past. Avon has strict priorities which he follows to a tee. The hierarchy in place protects Avon, and he never touched the drugs. Avon knows what is most important to him, which are his corners (where the drugs are sold). He and Stringer disagree on this point, which ultimately leads to a large loss for their organization. Stringer is different from Avon in that he is interested in learning more about diversifying their business. Stringer goes to classes at a local college to learn economics, a commendable plan, but he tries to make moves into other markets before he is ready. Stringer is unsuccessful in diversifying because he does so without understanding the ins and outs of the politics in the city of Baltimore. We can learn from both Avon and Stringer that it is most important to understand your business and other businesses if you are interested in expanding. We also see that when two partners who run the organization together disagree on a fundamental level and cannot come to a compromise, success in the long run is unattainable.

Marlo Stanfield is a young drug dealer who has made his own way to the top of the industry. We can learn some lessons from Marlo, including recognizing opportunity. Marlo stayed quiet for much of his time rising to the top of “the game,” but when an opportunity to move up arose, Marlo was the first to recognize it and act upon it. This is apparent in season five when Marlo makes his move to acquire the connection with the greeks and essentially starts running the show himself. From Marlo we can learn the importance of flying under the radar until the right opportunity arises, and then making the most of that opportunity.

Snoop Pearson is an example of a low level worker in Marlo Stanfield’s organization who worked her way up to fairly high level within the organization. Although we only see her once she has reached a high level already, we can infer from her attitude and the way she conducts herself that the reason for her success is just that. Snoop is a loyal worker who enjoys what she does. Her job satisfaction is off the charts, and this is noticed and rewarded by those above her. The lesson Snoop teaches us is to know your place in the organization and take pride and enjoyment in your work.

Omar Little is not in as organized a setting as the other drug dealers talked about, but he is definitely a leader within his small group. Omar has a strong moral code, which he follows without waver. Omar, a genuine badass and killer, never lays a hand on anyone who isn’t in the game. Everyone in Baltimore knows of Omar’s strict code, even the police. This helps Omar when he is framed for a murder he did not commit, and Bunk, a detective who isnt even on the case, suspects foul play. What we can learn from Omar is doing business with a strict personal code is important, it helps you stay sane, and creates a reputation with others about who you are and what you do.