The Leadership Lab: Donald Trump

One of the best pieces of leadership advice I've had on how to find your own leadership stlye of voice was that over time you will work with or come across many leaders. Watch and observe how they lead, no one will be perfect and even the "bad" leaders will have some positives or something to learn from (even if it is what NOT to do). Take all these observations and craft a style or voice that resonates with you.

Given the US elections are around the corner, I thought it would be interesting to kick off a deep dive in Donald Trump as part of our new series "The Leadership Lab", where we look at a leader, analyse their style and discuss what it means for young professionals who want to become better leaders.

‍Introduction and Context

Let's dive into the enigma that is Donald Trump. Whether you've been a fan since his "You're fired!" days on The Apprentice or you can't stand the sight of his infamous red hat, there's no denying that Trump's leadership style has been... well, something else. I mean, how does a New York real estate mogul and reality TV star end up as the 45th President of the United States? It's like a plot twist straight out of a Hollywood script—except we all lived through it.

I remember the morning after the 2016 election, sipping my coffee and scrolling through social media in disbelief. Memes were flying left and right, news anchors looked like they'd seen a ghost, and my group chats were blowing up with a mix of shock, joy, and "What just happened?" moments. Love him or hate him, Trump's rise to the presidency shook up the political landscape like a snow globe in a toddler's hands.

But here's the thing: beyond the tweets, the rallies, and the headlines, there's a lot we can unpack about Trump's approach to leadership. It's a masterclass in breaking the mold—or maybe a cautionary tale, depending on who you ask. So, let's put on our leadership lab coats and dissect what makes Trump tick, what he got right, where he stumbled, and what we can learn from it all.

Leadership Style and Core Traits

First things first, let's talk about the core ingredients in the Donald Trump leadership recipe. Spoiler alert: it's a spicy mix.

• Unapologetic Confidence: Trump doesn't just walk into a room; he owns it. His confidence borders on audacity, and that's part of his appeal to many. It's like he's perpetually in the final round of a high-stakes poker game, and he's all in—every time.
• Direct and Unfiltered Communication: Remember when he referred to certain countries in less-than-flattering terms during a meeting? Yeah, not exactly diplomatic. But his supporters often praised him for "telling it like it is," even if it made diplomats reach for the antacids.
• Master of Branding: From "Make America Great Again" to nicknames for his opponents (anyone recall "Crooked Hillary" or "Sleepy Joe"?), Trump knows how to create memorable catchphrases. It's marketing gold, even if it's sometimes fool's gold.
• Transactional Mindset: With a background steeped in business deals and boardrooms, Trump views interactions through a transactional lens. It's all about the art of the deal—pun intended.
• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Bankruptcies, lawsuits, scandals—you name it, he's faced it. Yet, like a cat with nine lives (or maybe 900), he always seems to land on his feet.
• Populist Appeal: He tapped into the feelings of those who felt ignored by the political elite. By positioning himself as the outsider who could shake things up, he rallied a base that's fiercely loyal.
• Disruptor of Norms: Trump's leadership isn't about fitting into existing structures; it's about bulldozing them and building something new—sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively.

Strategies, Practices, and Impact

So, how did these traits manifest in his leadership? Buckle up; it's a wild ride.

• Social Media as a Megaphone: Before Trump, who would have thought that Twitter could be a primary communication channel for a sitting president? He bypassed traditional media, firing off tweets at all hours. It was like watching a live reality show unfold in 280-character episodes. His tweets could move markets, influence international relations, and, of course, generate endless headlines.
• Negotiation Tactics on the Global Stage: Trump's meetings with leaders like Kim Jong-un were unprecedented. He approached these interactions as if he were closing a business deal, complete with grand gestures and high-stakes brinkmanship. Unconventional? Absolutely. Effective? Well, that's up for debate. But he certainly shifted the dynamics of international diplomacy.
• America First Policy: This wasn't just a slogan; it was a guiding principle. From renegotiating NAFTA into the USMCA to imposing tariffs on China, Trump prioritized what he perceived as direct benefits to the U.S., often at the expense of long-standing alliances. It was a radical shift from globalism to nationalism.
• Executive Orders Galore: Facing opposition in Congress? No problem. Trump wasn't shy about using executive orders to push his agenda. Immigration policies, deregulations—you name it, he signed it. It was a way to bypass legislative gridlock but also sparked debates about executive overreach.
• Media Relations (or Lack Thereof): Labeling mainstream media as "fake news," he created an adversarial relationship with the press. It galvanized his supporters but also led to a fractured information landscape. Press briefings became battlegrounds, and fact-checkers had their work cut out for them.
• Economic Policies: Tax cuts, deregulation, and a focus on manufacturing jobs were cornerstones of his economic strategy. Supporters credit him with economic growth and low unemployment rates pre-pandemic, while critics point to increasing deficits and a lack of support for sustainable industries.
• Judicial Appointments: Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices and numerous federal judges, leaving a lasting impact on the judiciary. Love it or hate it, that's a significant legacy that will influence U.S. law for decades.

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Challenges, Failures, and Adaptation

Of course, no leadership journey is without its bumps—and in Trump's case, some were more like craters.

• Polarization of the Nation: Under Trump's leadership, the U.S. saw increased political and social division. Debates turned into shouting matches, and social media became a battleground. Families were split, friendships tested, and public discourse became more toxic.
• Impeachments Times Two: Getting impeached is a pretty big deal. Getting impeached twice? That's historic. The first impeachment was over allegations of soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 U.S. election, and the second over incitement of insurrection following the Capitol riot. These events consumed much of his presidency and polarized Congress further.
• COVID-19 Pandemic Response: This was a major test of leadership. Critics argue that downplaying the virus, promoting unproven treatments, and conflicting messages led to unnecessary loss of life. The U.S. became one of the hardest-hit countries, and the pandemic response became a contentious political issue.
• Failure to Accept Election Results: The 2020 election aftermath was chaotic, to say the least. Claims of widespread voter fraud without substantial evidence eroded trust in the electoral process. The culmination was the January 6th Capitol riot, a dark day in American history.
• International Relations Strains: Withdrawing from agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal, coupled with trade wars, strained relationships with allies. America's global standing shifted, with some arguing it weakened long-standing alliances.
• Communication Gaffes: From mispronouncing words (remember "Yo-semite"?) to controversial statements that sparked outrage, his off-the-cuff style often led to misunderstandings or international incidents.
• Resistance to Adaptation: Sticking to his playbook worked for his base but alienated others. There was little pivoting, even when strategies didn't yield the desired results. Flexibility wasn't exactly his strong suit.

Key Lessons for Young Managers

So, what nuggets of wisdom can we extract from Trump's rollercoaster ride of leadership? Let's break it down.

1. Confidence is Crucial—but So is Humility
   • Takeaway: Believe in yourself and your vision. Confidence can inspire your team and stakeholders.
   • But Also: Overconfidence can blind you to feedback and alternative perspectives. Stay humble enough to listen. Remember, confidence should empower, not overpower.
2. Communication Can Make or Break You
   • Takeaway: Be clear, direct, and authentic in your communication. People appreciate honesty.
   • But Also: Consider the impact of your words. What you say (or tweet) can have far-reaching consequences. Tailor your message to your audience and context.
3. Build a Strong Personal Brand
   • Takeaway: Your personal brand can be a powerful tool. Craft it intentionally.
   • But Also: Ensure your brand aligns with your values and actions. Authenticity is key. A brand built on shaky foundations won't stand the test of time.
4. Resilience is a Valuable Asset
   • Takeaway: Don't let setbacks define you. Bounce back and keep moving forward.
   • But Also: Reflect on failures to learn and grow. Resilience isn't just about endurance; it's about evolution. Use challenges as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.
5. Adaptability is Essential
   • Takeaway: Have a clear vision, but be flexible in your approach.
   • But Also: The ability to pivot when necessary can be the difference between success and failure. The landscape changes—so should your strategies.
6. Cultivate Relationships, Don't Just Leverage Them
   • Takeaway: Networking and relationships are vital in leadership.
   • But Also: Genuine connections yield better long-term results than purely transactional ones. People aren't just means to an end.
7. Ethics and Integrity Shouldn't Be Optional
   • Takeaway: Leading with integrity builds trust and credibility.
   • But Also: Unethical practices might offer short-term gains but can lead to long-term damage. Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets.
8. Embrace Constructive Criticism
   • Takeaway: Feedback can be a valuable tool for improvement.
   • But Also: Surround yourself with people who aren't afraid to challenge you respectfully. Yes-men (or women) won't help you grow.
9. Understand the Impact of Your Actions on Culture
   • Takeaway: Leaders set the tone for organizational culture.
   • But Also: Be mindful of how your behavior influences others, for better or worse. Culture eats strategy for breakfast, as they say.
10. Lead by Example
    • Takeaway: Your team looks to you for cues on behavior and work ethic.
    • But Also: Consistency between your words and actions fosters respect. Walk the talk.

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

I recall a time when I was managing a project with a tight deadline and a diverse team. I thought being assertive and pushing hard would get us across the finish line. Spoiler: It didn't. I ended up alienating some team members, and the project suffered. It wasn't until I took a step back, listened to feedback, and adjusted my approach that things improved.

In a way, seeing Trump's leadership reinforced the importance of adaptability and empathy in leadership. His unwavering style resonated with some but created significant barriers with others. It reminded me that while conviction is important, so is connection.

I also remember attending a leadership workshop where the facilitator said, "Your greatest strength can become your greatest weakness if overused." That hit home. Trump's confidence and directness were assets, but when dialed up to eleven, they often led to unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Donald Trump's leadership is a complex tapestry of bold moves, controversial decisions, and undeniable impact. He's a figure who has been both celebrated and vilified, often in the same breath.

For us, as emerging leaders and managers, there's value in examining his approach—not to imitate, but to understand. Leadership isn't one-size-fits-all, but there are principles that tend to hold true across the board.

So, next time you're faced with a leadership challenge, consider the multifaceted lessons from Trump's tenure. Embrace confidence but temper it with humility. Communicate clearly but thoughtfully. Be resilient but willing to adapt. And above all, lead with integrity.

And hey, maybe keep your Twitter fingers in check. Unless you're sharing cute dog photos—that's always a win.

Conclusion

Leadership is as much about self-awareness as it is about guiding others. Donald Trump's time in the spotlight offers a wealth of lessons—not just in politics, but in how we lead teams, projects, and ourselves.

In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, it's crucial to learn from a variety of examples. Some will show us what to strive for; others will highlight what to avoid. Trump's leadership journey provides a bit of both.

So let's take these insights into our own Leadership Lab experiments. Who knows? Maybe we'll discover the next big breakthrough in effective leadership—or at least avoid a few pitfalls along the way.

And remember, leadership isn't just about the title or the corner office. It's about the impact you have on those around you. So make it count.

Key Lessons for Future Reference

Before we wrap up, let's distill some actionable steps based on our discussion:

• Self-Reflect Regularly: Take time to assess your leadership style. What's working? What's not? Be brutally honest with yourself.
• Seek Diverse Perspectives: Don't surround yourself with echo chambers. Diverse teams lead to better decision-making.
• Stay Informed and Educated: The world is changing rapidly. Keep learning to stay relevant.
• Prioritize Ethical Decision-Making: When in doubt, choose the path that aligns with strong ethical principles.
• Communicate Vision Clearly: Ensure your team understands not just the "what" but the "why" behind your decisions.
• Invest in Relationships: Business is about people. Build strong, genuine connections.
• Be Prepared to Adapt: Flexibility is not a weakness. It's a strength that allows you to navigate uncertainty.

A Final Anecdote

I'll leave you with this: A mentor once told me, "You can learn something from everyone—even if it's what not to do." That rings especially true here. By studying leaders like Trump, we gain insights into the complexities of leadership in the modern world.

So, as we forge our paths, let's be mindful of the footprints we leave behind. After all, leadership is less about the destination and more about the journey—and the company we keep along the way.

Signing Off

Thanks for joining me in this edition of The Leadership Lab and deep dive into the leadership style of one of the most polarizing figures of our time. It's been a wild ride, much like the subject himself. Until next time, keep experimenting in your own Leadership Lab, and remember: every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.

And if you ever find yourself in a tough spot, just ask yourself, "What would a good leader do?"—and maybe do that instead.

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