Trump: How to Get Rich

Manage the Person, Not the Job

I once heard a story about a guy who owned an advertising agency. There was one writer who drove the other writers crazy because he would appear to be doing nothing in his office. He made no attempt to look busy.

Finally, his colleagues complained to his boss about his laziness. The boss suddenly perked up and asked, How long has he been this way?

One of the other writers answered, For weeks and weeks! He sits there and does zip. It’s like he’s in a coma.

The boss said, I want all of you to be quiet and not to disturb him, and every now and then ask if you can get him some coffee or some lunch or run some errands for him.

Needless to say, the employees were deflated and started grumbling. Then the boss explained his rationale: Listen, the last time he was acting this way, and the time before that, he came up with ideas worth many millions of dollars. So when I tell you not to disturb him, I have a reason for it.

People have different ways of achieving results. I enjoy figuring out how each of my key employees excels. If people are your resource, you’d better try to learn something useful about them. Being able to do so is what makes a good manager a great one.

Some people respond well to the fear factor. Ever hear this ex-change?

Question: How long have you been working here?

Answer: Ever since they threatened to fire me.

Well, it applies to some employees. Fortunately, I seem to attract people who enjoy working, but now and then a few slugs will show up, and the loss of face (or job) can be a good motivator for many.

That said, it will always work against you to demoralize your employees in any way. I can be tough, but most people will admit I’m fair. You can crush people if you don’t weigh your words carefully. Your power as a leader should be used in the most positive way, which sometimes calls for a great deal of restraint as well as patience. I have to laugh when I hear people say, I can’t wait until I’m the big shot so I can order everyone around. It doesn’t quite work that way.

Abraham Lincoln made an appropriate remark that is pertinent to management: Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.