Business insights hidden in the Trump leadership style
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Few political figures in recent history have divided public opinion as sharply as Donald Trump. Whether you love him or loathe him, there’s no denying that the former U.S. president and current presidential candidate has valuable lessons to offer business leaders.
So, what can business owners learn from Trump?
Let’s start with the most obvious points and work our way back.
Prioritizing downtime
Trump is famously fond of golf. If a man with such a demanding role on the world stage can carve out time for leisure, why can’t you?
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Many small business owners believe they can’t afford to take time off, convinced that everything will fall apart in their absence. As a result, many haven’t had a real holiday in years.
But, if you’re a business owner, there’s a lesson here: prioritize time for yourself and your family. You’ll return refreshed, and your organization will benefit from it.
Decisiveness in firing
Throughout his time in office, Trump became known for his willingness to swiftly fire underperforming staff. His administration saw a higher turnover rate than any in recent history.
Most business owners, by contrast, are slow to let go of employees who aren’t a good fit, particularly in times of low unemployment. The mindset of “a warm body is better than nobody” often prevails.
Trump, however, understands that if an employee’s values or behaviour don’t align with the organization, it’s best to part ways. While your values may differ from Trump’s, there’s merit in his approach: firing someone from a role that isn’t working can be mutually beneficial.
If you have employees who aren’t meeting expectations despite your best efforts to support them, helping them transition to a new career path might be the kindest and smartest move.
Playing to win
Complacency is a common pitfall in small businesses. Leaders often get bogged down in day-to-day operations, too exhausted to focus on long-term goals.
Trump, by contrast, has always played to win. While his tactics and ‘win-at-all-costs’ attitude may be contentious, his focus on success is undeniable.
The lesson here is not about emulating his methods but rather his mindset. Business owners who clearly define their goals and commit to achieving them are more likely to succeed. Unfortunately, many have only vague ideas of what success looks like and lack a concrete plan to measure it.
There are plenty of debates surrounding Trump’s leadership, and most people have already formed strong opinions about him.
However, as leaders, it’s crucial to remain open to ideas from various perspectives – even those we may disagree with – and apply the lessons that make sense for our own organizations.
David Fuller is a Commercial and Business Realtor with a strong reputation as an award-winning business coach and author. He has extensive experience helping businesses grow and succeed, providing guidance on various aspects of business management, strategy, and development. His work as a business coach and author has earned him recognition in the industry, making him a respected figure in both real estate and business coaching.
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The opinions expressed by our columnists and contributors are theirs alone and do not inherently or expressly reflect the views of our publication.
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