There are many unique elements about Donald Trump that enabled him to succeed in the job of President. However, most significant is the fact that few, if any, individuals lived as varied a life, ran multiple enterprises, and spent as many hours negotiating in situations where their own wealth was at stake. It’s safe to say that these experiences prepared him for the job in a unique manner, providing him with the type of flexible and adaptable skill set which proved beneficial in the role of Chief Executive.
A few examples, some of which may surprise you:
Dealing with Foes
Trump was often criticized by his willingness to develop personal relationships with Putin, Xi, and Kim Jong-un from North Korea. He honed this talent by negotiating with the New York bureaucracy and residents as a building developer in New York City. A famous quote from Sun Tzu (544 BC – 496 BC), author of The Art of War; “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” Something tells me, Donald Trump is quite familiar with those words of wisdom.
Acting with Humility
Some may believe it’s impossible to place the words “Donald Trump” and “humility” in the same sentence. No one paying attention would state that Donald Trump is a humble man; yet, as President, it’s unlikely he or his emissaries acted brash, arrogant, or rude in their efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. The ability to nurture a complex arrangement between Israel and the Sunni Muslims required patience, respect, and effective listening skills. If the Trump team acted in the way their boss is often characterized and stereotyped, the deal never would have happened.
Status Quo Questioning
Donald Trump’s popularity took off like a rocket because he challenged many of the existing norms of 2016. These items included the role of illegal immigration, taxes, mid-east relationships, foreign trade arrangements, NATO, and how former Presidents selected Supreme Court Justices. Obviously, he was in alignment with a large swath of American voters because, even today, he’s probably the only politician that can fill up large stadiums at his rallies.
Possessing Street Smarts
As a Real Estate Developer and Builder in New York City, it’s impossible to get ahead if you’re basing your success on book knowledge and rigid formulas. When you’re dealing with politicians, community activists, race-hustlers, and labor unions you better be prepared to handle conflict, gain trust, and cut deals. After all, these groups have their own expectations and don’t shrink from protecting their fiefdoms or running away from conflict. If they sense weakness, or stupidity they’ll run over you. If they don’t believe you’ll follow up on commitments and promises they won’t do business with you.
Respecting Wisdom
Sadly, many Americans of all ages have come to learn that University education has become more about the dictated cause of the moment and less about timeless wisdom. It often seems eternal truths and common sense have taken a back seat to “hopes and dreams”. Since the founding of our country every President has been evaluated based upon an ability to deliver peace and prosperity. After a four-year track record, it’s pretty clear that the perspectives, insights, actions, and results of Donald Trump’s term rank him among the few American leaders who delivered both. This result never happens solely by luck and things fell apart quickly after a new administration chose opposite strategic directions and scores of policy reversals.
The bottom line: there is no certain path to successful leadership and every action is bound to spark different attitudes and opinions from people. However, in the end, leaders and Presidents are judged by performance effectiveness in the achievement of predetermined goals, expectations, stated priorities, and campaign promises.
Stew Bolno (MBA/EdM) earned his way through life as a self-employed consultant and seminar facilitator in the areas of leadership and team building. Like most people in business, he’s been hired, promoted, and fired. He’s studied, spoke about, and demonstrated the things that make for effective leadership during a professional career of over 50 years. His new book is titled: Leadership Lessons And You: From A to Z.
The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of AMAC or AMAC Action.
Willie brown would like to assure everyone he would never get in a helicopter with anyone he didn’t feel safe with lol
All true and would be more effective talking points on the stump than crowd size or helicopter rides with Willie Brown or whether Harris identifies as Black, South Asian or both or whether Joe Biden will get back in the race during the Democrat convention.