How to be a boss: 5 seriously inspirational lessons we learned from gangster movies

American Hustle “Those are the guys you’re scared of? Those guys over there? They don’t scare me.”

Life lesson to take away: If you want something done right, do it yourself.

We can pretend to care about Christian Bale’s character or Bradley Cooper’s perm, but we know that Jennifer Lawrence stole American Hustle and this scene proved it. Tired of being gaslit, belittled, and dismissed by her husband, she does what everyone else is afraid to do: she approaches the mob and sets in motion a series of events that ultimately serve to free everybody from their terrible life situations. So? If you want to get something done, just do it yourself. In other words: Get it, girl.

A Most Violent Year “This was very disrespectful.”

Life lesson to take away: R-E-S-P-E-C-T. (This is what it means to me.)

While A Most Violent Year is a quiet film about a man’s struggle with remaining “good” in a city consumed by the opposite, Jessica Chastain’s speech trumps all since it’s the stuff of confrontation-based dreams. While reminding the DA (David Oyelowo) that she won’t stand for intimidation tactics, she ultimately gives us all a tutorial in badassery. First, because she won’t tolerate disrespect (and neither should we), and second, because in that moment, we know who really runs the world. (Girls. Duh.)

American Gangster “The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.”

Life lesson to take away: Stop peacocking and pay attention. There’s nothing wrong with having a loud voice, or making yourself heard, or wearing clothes that make you feel like a total boss. But there is something wrong about showing off for the sake of it and/or flaunting your lifestyle or social circle just to make other people feel bad. Usually, it connotes insecurity -- especially if name-dropping is the name of your game. Thus, let Denzel’s words wash over you. Because if Chiwetel Ejiofor can’t get away with that madness, no one can.

The Godfather “It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.”

Life lesson to take away: See above quote.

If working with a pal, make sure the lines between business and personal selves are clear. Work may call for tough choices, and as long as you’re being a person you’d want to work with (meaning: fair and kind), you shouldn’t feel bad for having to boss-up and step into a professional role. (Unless you are trying to shut down your friend’s bookstore, and in that case: why?)

American Hustle “I don’t f---ing care.”

Life lesson to take away: Sometimes four words will liberate you forever.

Of course, there are some moments in life when the jig is up; when you’ve finally got to step back and say, “I hate this, and I have everyone, and I am done here.” And there’s nothing wrong with that (especially if quitting or checking out ensures your sanity and general well-being). Enter: Amy Adams, who, in this beautiful American Hustle moment gave us the only two weeks’ notice we’ll ever need. Even if we can only deliver it mentally every day until we’re free.