I had a hunch I would coach a President of the United States when I was added to the roster of the Federal Executive Institutes list of coaches a decade ago. Most of my hunches play out, so I am growing anxious about whether or not this could be the time. I have imagined the call on a Monday morning in January 2017, “DJ, would you be interested in coaching President Trump?”
What would I say?
While none of us really know if his campaign is a form of activism meant to stir the pot and change the conversation, most of us are at least curious about what he is up to. We scratch our heads in wonder as he puts a stake in the ground around issues skirted by a majority of politicians. Many are waiting to see if he is serious about turning the White House into the new Trump Tower.
He is relevant and has people talking, even if considered by some early in the campaign to be more of a caricature than a real candidate.
Trump took the silver spoon he was born with and built an empire. However, he is not unlike many other egocentric leaders of major corporations who have less marketing fire power, but approach their leadership game with the same blustery gusto. He just had more money to start with. In every way we have come to know him, through the Apprentice, the golden Trump Towers, and lush golf courses in all of our favorite cities, he has at some time captivated each of us. Admit it. He has developed a huge following and enormous popularity on his way to becoming one of the most influential leaders of our time – like him or not.
As a mega mogul, he had to do more than throw his money around in order to become a leader that others want to work for. He had to have vision, courage and influence in order to build this shiny empire. He had to become a brilliant marketer of key messages and learn to manage consumer impressions. These skills are not any different from others who manage companies.
So I asked myself, “Where would I start if Trump asked me to coach him?”
Here’s what came to mind:
- First, I would want a level playing field, “Are you coachable? Are you willing to step away from that ego driven committee in your head for just ten minutes and take a breath, listen and learn? If not, I am not the right coach for you . . . the coaching conversation ends here.”
- Second, “Authenticity is not a problem for you. You are who you are. People like that. However, can you work with me to maintain your gusto and passion, but refocus your attention to include more constituents who can accelerate change? For example, can you imagine building a new platform for women?” Tapping into imagination for a visionary is a good place to start a coaching conversation from my experience.
- Third, “What do you really want to be known for? Do you want to be known for laying down the gauntlet, or do you really want to change the conversation? If so, to what end? Is your marketing platform going to continue to build on activism?”
The path of integration – mind, heart, spirit and will – is a challenge for many leaders. That pathway is foundational in coaching. Trump’s formula for success includes having a bold vision, courage and influence. So do the formulas or Richard Branson, Sara Beak, and Bill Gates among many other organizational and world leaders. This formula and these characteristics are active ingredients for any great leader. These qualities are also true for some of the most diabolical leaders on the planet. So the key is not just can you have a vision and the courage to go for it, but can you integrate the human spirit in a way that ignites the best in others – and unleash greatest potential for good – in those you lead?
