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Lessons from Trump’s management secrets

24th Jan 25 9:14 am

Donald Trump’s management style is polarising, to say the least. Whether you admire or abhor his approach, there’s no denying that his methods, honed over decades in the business world, have shaped his public image and leadership practices.

By dissecting both the successes and pitfalls of his style, we uncover valuable lessons for leaders in any field.

The strengths

One of Trump’s defining traits is his decisiveness. He’s a leader who thrives on action and speed, a characteristic that many executives and entrepreneurs aim to emulate.

The ability to make swift decisions, even under pressure, have allowed him to seize opportunities others might have hesitated to pursue. For instance, his rapid pivoting in real estate deals, branding ventures, and media initiatives frequently resulted in significant returns. In leadership, decisiveness inspires confidence, convey authority, and create momentum—a lesson worth noting.

Another strength lies in his boldness. Trump’s willingness to take risks and challenge conventions has been central to his brand.

Whether it was licensing his name to real estate projects, leveraging reality television to expand his public persona, or negotiating deals, he’s consistently pushed boundaries.

Leaders who are too risk-averse often miss transformative opportunities. Trump’s fearlessness serves as a reminder that taking calculated risks is essential for innovation and growth.

Then there’s his mastery of personal branding is unparalleled.

By transforming his name into a synonym for luxury and success, he created a unique selling proposition that set his businesses apart.

This approach underscores the importance of identity and differentiation in leadership. For leaders in any industry, crafting a consistent and compelling personal narrative can open doors, attract talent, and build loyalty.

That said, Trump’s example also warns against the dangers of over-reliance on personal branding, as it can overshadow substance and lead to vulnerability during setbacks.

The weaknesses

Despite these strengths, his management style has notable flaws.

One of the most frequently criticised aspects of his leadership is his apparent aversion to collaboration.

While decisive leaders are valuable, those who neglect the input of others often miss critical perspectives. Trump’s preference for a centralised decision-making process, with loyalty often prioritised over expertise, has at times hindered his ability to build cohesive teams.

Another challenge in the President’s style is the focus on short-term wins at the expense of long-term planning.

His transactional approach to deals and decisions, while yielding immediate benefits, often disregards the broader implications. In business, this can result in unstable partnerships or unsustainable growth.

Trump’s communication style is another polarising feature. On one hand, his directness and simplicity resonate with many, cutting through jargon and bureaucracy. This style has been effective in garnering attention and rallying support.

But the same approach has also led to miscommunication and alienation, particularly in complex or sensitive contexts.

A major hallmark of the Commander-in Chief’s management style is his combative approach to conflict. From boardrooms to political arenas, he often leans into confrontation rather than avoiding it.

This strategy can be advantageous in negotiations, where projecting strength and determination can secure favourable outcomes. However, perpetual combativeness can create adversarial relationships and erode trust over time.

The takeaways

Trump’s management style is a study in extremes. His decisiveness, boldness, and branding prowess offer valuable insights for leaders seeking to inspire and innovate. At the same time, his shortcomings—a tendency to sideline collaboration, focus on immediate gains, and escalate conflicts—serve as cautionary tales.

Clearly, leadership is not a one-size-fits-all endeavour. Trump’s approach works in some contexts but falters in others, illustrating the importance of adaptability. The most effective leaders are those who can balance confidence with humility, decisiveness with inclusivity, and boldness with foresight.

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