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Business Rule #9:
Follow the Leader’s Cue
November 5, 2004
(PAGE 2 of 3)
Trump often will do everything, short of telling you outright, to indicate whom you should bring back into the boardroom. After Chris yelled out his unsolicited and disloyal opinions about how pathetic his team was, Trump turned to Raj and asked him if he wanted to change his mind and bring Chris back into the boardroom with him. Raj politely—and very gentlemanly—said, “No.”
No?
NO!?
Are you crazy? You had the chance to show Trump, the man from whom you’re trying to score a job, that you’re listening to his advice about becoming successful! You’re going to demonstrate that you understand the politics involved in the boardroom. You’re going to follow the leader!
Of course not.
If Raj had simply taken Trump’s cue and brought Chris into that boardroom, Chris would have been the one who’s now history. Trump can’t stand any form of disloyalty, and I don’t blame him. Trump did everything except wave a sign in front of Raj saying, “BRING CHRIS INTO THE BOARDROOM!!!”
Chris adds nothing to any team, and I can virtually guarantee that he won’t make it to the final four, as
I’m sure Raj would undoubtedly agree. So, Raj, why not take the glare off you and get Chris in there to take the heat?
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What’s my larger point? In the real business world, it behooves you to emulate the person who already has the position you want. I’ve never understood the women on the show who don’t follow Carolyn’s example and truly heed her advice. They’re even rude sometimes. Carolyn will start to speak, and they will speak over her. They dress sexy in the boardroom rather than trying to dress like her. They don’t try to talk like her, and they don’t try to strategize like her. Why not be like Carolyn? People, she already has the job.
Raj tries to communicate with Trump as an equal, and that is simply ridiculous. I’ve even heard that a good many people respect for Raj for it. Please. I mean, honestly, when you have your name on the side of a jet and on the some of the world’s greatest buildings, then you can speak to one of the largest real estate developers in the world as if you were both students at Wharton. Until then, show a little humility and soak up as much information as you can from him.
Trump is offering these candidates a chance of a lifetime: to learn from his mistakes and triumphs. Never delude yourself into believing that you can make it without helpful advice and guidance. If you start a business today, your first stop should be to consult with an attorney to learn how to prepare the paperwork to incorporate your business. When you lay out your plan, your lawyer will advise you on which legal entity is best for you. Sure you can do the paperwork yourself and save a couple of bucks, but you will almost certainly forget to file one important document that will cost you dearly in the long run. Let someone who knows what they are doing guide your success.
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In the real business world, it behooves you to emulate the person who already has the position you want.
