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Business Rule #9:
Follow the Leader’s Cue
November 5, 2004
Well, it finally happened. The great and imperial Raj Bhakta has suffered the ignominy of defeat and will no longer have a national forum for all of his dandy turns of phrase. It’s actually surprising that he got fired this week, seeing as his expertise is in real estate development. Was I the only one dumbfounded by his decision to turn a four-bedroom house into a three-bedroom? Everyone in real estate knows that a four-bedroom house will always appraise for more than a three. It’s the kitchens and the bathrooms that make the difference. Those are the two things that really
sell a home.
Again I must say, if these guys are the best candidates out of a million, then I’d hate to see the other 999,982 applicants. It’s extraordinary to me that they have no clue as to how to establish themselves as true pioneers on the road to victory instead of shameful defeat. This week was Raj’s chance to shine, and he blew it. Since real estate was involved, Trump surely came down harder on him for it.
Ivana, Ivana, Ivana. Trump must be saving the worst firing for her. He has got to want to savior the
moment of firing an unforgiving, nasty woman who shares the embattled name of his ex-wife. Why did she need to attack Stacie Jones Upchurch like that? There was absolutely no reason for it. Ivana Ma continues to show how mean-spirited she is every single time that she has the opportunity. Stacie J. did a great job and everyone applauded her for it—but not Ivana. May someone please explain to me how she has survived so long?
Another thing. Has Bradford Cohen learned nothing from his dismal showing the first time out? Here he is mounting a full-blown attack on Kevin Allen—and for what? Kevin did take accountability for recommending the contractor—so there was no reason for that, Bradford. Let me say this: in the real business world, whether you work at McDonald’s or a Fortune 500 company, there is always a Bradford or an Ivana there waiting for you. These people always have something to say, no matter what happens. These people like to be heard and will talk and offer advice on any occasion. Bradford felt that he was the right person to step up and attack Kevin for not taking a stand for hiring the contractor. Brad! You’ve already been fired; what are you talking about? If you knew all that you claim to know, you would still be in the game. Bradford wants the people who weren't fired to heed his important advice about winning and taking responsibility. Get real.
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Who takes advice from a loser?
One other person surprised me this week: Kevin. Sure he recommended the contractor and the contractor did a lousy job, but Kevin did the right thing: he stood up and took accountability for it. He did it, because there was no wrong-headedness per se involved. There was no fundamental or earth-shattering mistake here. Contractors fail to live up to their promises every single day; they talk themselves right onto a job and either don’t or can’t get it done on time—but I assure you, they always want to be paid on time. It happens everyday. It happens to everyone. It happens whether you’re a real estate developer or just a layperson fixing up his own home. But what Kevin did that completely threw me for a loop was to sit there in the boardroom and yell out, “For the record, I did not recommend that contractor.” Kevin, you just said you did.
Kevin, my man, go back and read my article about keeping your mouth shut. By the way, Chris Russo, you would do well to do the same.
I’m not going to waste your time discussing why Raj went down for the job he did, because a five-year old can see what a terrible mistake he made. What I want to discuss today is following the tutelage of the master. Stay with me as I show you how you can learn and become successful by taking the cues others leave for you to follow. If Raj had only taken Trump’s cue, he would still be around today.
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Stay with me as I show you how you can learn and become successful by taking the cues others leave for you to follow.
