What Every CEO Should Learn From Trump’s Relationship With His Business Advisory Council

One of the most redeeming qualities of a CEO is their leadership skills. It’s hard to follow a leader who lacks credibility, or conviction. It’s equally difficult to follow CEO when their practices result in your disgruntlement.
Prior to running for President, Trump was an infamous businessman, real estate mogul, and reality television persona. His skillful performance in both roles portrayed Trump as a boss, and a chief executive officer.
Because of his reputation, it made sense when our commander in chief assembled multiple business advisory groups, comprised with the country’s most prestigious and powerful businessmen and women.
For any business person, being a part of a presidential advisory groups are a big deal. It gives them an opportunity to discuss government regulations and bills with the president. It puts them in the same room, and a safe space to address and even advise the president on issues.
Having the entire advisory group defect and disassociate from the president is controversial, to say the least.
Political opinions aside, I can’t help but look at this situation and equate it to a start up.
In business — and life — people tend to struggle with balance. Leadership is one gigantic balancing act. The best leaders are strong, but know when to be soft. They are loud, but know when to be quiet. And they practice conviction as much as they practice humility.
These crucial qualities have been depicted by Martin Luther King, Bill Gates, and Daenerys of the House Targaryen.
Leaders should as powerful as they are humble.
In this, they are able to look out at their vision while listening to the men and women helping them move forward.
When your employees feel like they have a voice, they feel respected. When you are a CEO, or in a leadership role, your actions are like nutrients to your employees. They feed off of your energy.
Do you want your staff to digest inspiration and motivation? Or do you want them to swallow resentment?
While your employees are an embodiment of you and your company, you represent them too. This makes it crucial for you to value your reputation and maintain credibility in the business world.
People don’t want to be represented by something or someone negative. Now more than ever — with the millennial generation barreling into the work force — character means something in business.
Yes, Tesla is an elite automobile. But, more than that, it’s environmentally friendly. Social consciousness is extremely valuable in our society. There’s profit in reputable work. Furthermore, it’s easy to say no to a situation that doesn’t align with your moral principles.
Be a leader that people respect. Be a leader that people want to follow.
If you take away anything from Trump’s relationship with his business advisory groups, realize this: it’s easy to get people in the door. Keeping them there, is the challenge.
