As a child, Donald trump was an energetic and assertive child. At the age of 13, his parents sent him to New York Military Academy with the hope that he would be instilled with discipline that will channel his energy in a positive direction. By the time he graduated from the academy, he was both a student leader and a star athlete. He graduated in 1968 from Wharton school of finance at Pennsylvania University with a degree in economics. Trump career was influenced by his father, Fredrick Trump, who was a real estate developer. Today, Donald Trump “is the very definition of American success story” (Ross, 2006), having continually set standards of brilliance while expanding his interest in world-class hotels, premier residential real estates, high end golf clubs, entertainment, office buildings, and gaming. As a leader, Trump is committed to direct involvement in every business that has his name on it. This leadership ability and style has set him apart from other business leaders around the world.
The reality TV show ‘Apprentice’ is an ideal lens through which we can have a closer look at the leadership style and abilities of Donald Trump. The show portrays Trump as an Authoritarian leader, especially when he fires a person that shows least capability in managing set task. This shows that Trump is a task-oriented leader who is unable to work with least preferable co-worker. Task-oriented leaders are good at businesses that revolve around properties. This style suit Trump since his businesses are property based, and he is very familiar with his areas of business.
Donald Trump ability to transform people’s mindset from negativity to positive thinking makes him a Transformational and charismatic leader. Trump verbal gift give him an edge when building business relationship and selling the big picture. His ability to sell ideas, build his reputation, close almost impossible deals, and build relationship would not have been possible if he lacked charisma. His Charisma has enabled him to transform those he leads, who in turn rally behind him, because they believe in him.
‘Think Big’ philosophy is what Trump employ in all his business dealings. The tallest residential tower has his name on it; Trump International Hotel and tower. This kind of attitude makes Trump a strategic and entrepreneur leader who focuses on opportunities. He is a risk taker who dares to do things differently thereby setting new standards in every field that he is in. While investors in the real estate are worrying themselves about the market, Trump is way ahead thinking how he can build the most luxurious million dollars condominium. When Trump sensed that gambling was profitable in 1970s, he invested in the casino industries starting with the Atlantic City, where he bought properties. 20 years later, he acquired the largest casino in the world, Taj-Mahal in the Atlantic City.
Donald Trump strongest leadership ability is’ Task oriented’ leadership style. This leadership style has enabled him to work with the best people in the industry. As a leader, Trump is able to build strong business relationships and rally people behind his ideas because of his charisma. The ‘Think Big’ attitude has propelled Trump to the top. This attitude makes him a strategic and entrepreneur leader who is able to focus on big business opportunities. All these styles make Donald trump a one of the most influential people in the world.
Works Cited
Ross, George H. Trump-Style Negotiation: Powerful Strategies and Tactics for Mastering Every Deal. New-York: John Wiley and Sons, 2006.