Coaching Lessons from Donald Trump: Is that even possible?

If, like me, you were transfixed by watching the inauguration of the 47th President of

the USA, it would probably have engendered a strong reaction in you, whether

positive or negative. It got me thinking about Donald Trump the leader. Whether you

love him or hate him, there's no denying that he has some interesting lessons to

share for anyone looking to broaden their leadership skills. One big takeaway from

his professional life is the importance of external confidence and internal self-belief.

Trump has always exuded this strong, unapologetic sense of self and, whilst some

would say it crosses over into arrogance or even audacity, it is certainly influential.

When senior executives project confidence, it can motivate their team and create a

positive experience in the workplace. I help my clients to build their confidence

through a variety of techniques, encouraging them to take bold steps and think

outside the box.

Another valuable lesson we can pick up from Trump is the art of personal branding.

He’s a master at projecting a powerful image and narrative. He’s even built a brand

around being a success story. For my clients, understanding how to present

themselves and their vision can make a huge difference in motivating a team. I help

clients craft their personal stories, making sure they align with their personal values

but, more importantly, that those values resonate with others. It’s all about being

genuine, authentic and finding a personal connection with your team.

Then there’s resilience, which is something Trump knows all about. He’s faced his

fair share of challenges and criticism over the years, yet he often bounces back with

even more determination, and this could not have been demonstrated more clearly

than during his inauguration ceremony. This is such a crucial lesson for leaders! I

have the opportunity to explore with my clients how to handle setbacks and view

them as learning experiences. Building resilience not only helps individuals grow but

also encourages a can-do mentality within teams. Facing obstacles together can

strengthen bonds and create a more supportive environment.

And we can’t forget about negotiation skills. Trump is known for his tough negotiating

style, which is certainly not suitable for every occasion but there are elements we

can take from it. In my opinion, it’s all about striking that balance between being firm

and fair but knowing when to compromise. I support my clients in becoming more

effective negotiators, helping them navigate tricky conversations with confidence. In

the end, it’s about achieving goals while fostering teamwork and trust along the way.

So yes, much to my surprise, there are coaching lessons we can learn from the 47th

President of the USA.