Stew Bolno: Donald Trump and situational leadership

Do leaders create situations or is it the reverse? 

A person can’t fully comprehend the realities of “The Trump Era” unless the individual grasps the concept of situational leadership, a theory familiar to most people who’ve attended business training classes. The notion, developed by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard, refers to a preference for flexibility in leaders, so they’re more able to adapt their behavior to external realities as well as people impacted by their decisions. Like most suggestions it’s easier said than done; but so is tying your shoes. 

The requirement for the situational leader is to demonstrate a broadness of behavior that’s capable of adapting to situations. Akin to a chameleon, it appears President Donald Trump can do that in real time and in front of the world. 

• Trump’s a change-agent: He’s proven to be a skilled, bottom-line, no-nonsense executive. His direct approach to communication shows up at every press conference. Whether it’s enforcing the law, tax issues, or dealing with foes, he tells people what he’s going to do without fear of disapproval. He calls out the self-avowed enemies of America. He’s proven a committed willingness to achieve his mission, as he states it, “in the hard way or the easy way.” 

• Trump is charismatic: There’s no one else on today’s political scene whose presence could fill arenas to near capacity, as he does. His “Make America Great Again” and “America First” mantras enthuse people who share his vision. He’s increased the number of votes earned each subsequent time he’s run for President. He’s entertaining, funny, and is unafraid of being spontaneous at times. People seem to enjoy being in his company. His willingness to engage in self-deprecating humor, sets him apart from most political players who are fearful of going off their well-designed and rehearsed scripts.

• Trump is patient: One of Trump’s most common public phrases when responding to situations of complexity: is “we’ll see what happens when it’s time.” This denotes patience when appropriate, even when it applies to the possibility of war, altering budgetary practices, or dealing with protests in the streets of America. This is a characteristic of a person who appreciates the value of self-restraint when beneficial. On the world stage, he and his emissaries have developed relationships and treaties with foreign leaders of countries where the history of the relationship has been rocky. This could not happen if he was not considered a trustworthy leader.

• Trump is logical: Success is unlikely to occur unless the leader is thoughtful and detail oriented. It’s not a stretch to say the ventures into bombing the nuclear facility in Iran as well as the capture of the autocrat Maduro in Venezuela, without losing any soldiers, were as close to pristine and elegant as any act of war can be. This type of outcome doesn’t occur unless every tactic of a complex plan is intensely and carefully imagined, discussed, analyzed, and practiced in great depth before the mission is initiated.

The concept of situational leadership and adaptation is valid, but not complete. Indeed, the individual might benefit by adapting behaviors and decisions to situations; yet the optimal leader fully recognizes that strength of personality can impact, alter, or reverse challenging situations.

George Washington was elected by the unanimous vote of the Electoral College. Was it because of the public knowledge of his image as a heroic general? Perhaps, following the limitations inherent within the Articles of Confederation, the voting public desired someone, as a precedent setter, who could serve as a serene and patient unifier, as opposed to an activist and partisan leader. 

Historians recognize the attack on Fort Sumter in 1861 by Confederates was the first shot of the Civil War. It was a reaction to Abraham Lincoln’s success in passing Amendments that mandated one set of rights and rules for all states and every citizen. Another way of viewing this time in history, is to recognize Lincoln’s response demonstrated his ramrod commitment to ensure a United States of America, as well as his responsibility to follow through on the rationale inherent by the creation of the Republican Party in 1854. 

The core lesson of situational leadership may be applied to the modern presidency as well, but there are some distinctions. Party loyalty, mission, and disagreement are at Civil War levels. The mass media enables real-time spread of information at a greater pace and reach than ever before in history. Statistical measurements of economic and political realities are implemented on a rapid-fire basis. Each of these elements erect high hurdles for any president to overcome. If the leader is unable to communicate well, while influencing others to buy into the vision, we can expect a great deal of tripping, falling, and noisy demonstrations of public respect. 

These outcomes are harmful to any leader unless he’s able to balance contradictory reactions to his vision. 

While researching Trump for my book on leadership, I read his best-seller, TRUMP, THE ART OF THE DEAL. Although it presents his view of negotiating, it’s highly biographical as well. I believe the one quote in the book that primarily guides his thought process and behavior is “Leaders are people who can discern the inevitable and act accordingly.” Understanding his perspective, it’s clear he attempts to interpret the trend line and clarify the outcome. Sometimes it means taking control and sometimes the wise move is to avoid getting involved. Most times, situations of complexity require the leader to negotiate; one of his great and recognized strengths. 

Bottom line; To date, compared to the other forty-five presidents who’ve served, it’s not a stretch to rank him in the top tier of impactful leaders. Trump is diligent in his attempt to understand a situation. Then he’ll opt to identify, define, communicate, discuss, and decide to positively impact the challenge. That’s not an overly special technique; it’s what the most highly competent leaders do on a regular basis. 

He just seems to do it better, within a significantly more visible scale than most CEOs. 

Stew Bolno is a chronological peer of Donald Trump. He’s been a student, college professor, and consultant on leadership during his 50-year career. He’s followed politics longer than that time. His recent book is “Leadership Lessons And You: From A to Z – featuring Donald Trump” and he’s written scores of essays about him since he descended the Trump Tower staircase. Read more at LeadershipLessonsAndYou.com.