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Congratulations President Trump

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With Tuesday’s overwhelming election of Donald Trump as President of the United States I decided to contemplate my own dissatisfaction with this choice.

Firstly, having had a number of arguments with pro-Trump individuals I now understand my-own feelings are not politically driven but rather based on personal behaviours and the values they represent.

Loud, Outspoken and Self Centred

For me, Presidents Trumps policies are not an issue.  Some I buy into, some I don’t, which is very similar to my views on most politicians.

Trump has a very strong personality and in that sense it is polarizing.  You either support him or you don’t but there is very little middle ground.

The foundations of this polarization most likely derive to a large extent from his brash behaviours.  Two of my own core personal values – everyone is important and say what you do and do what you say, don’t align with Trumps behaviours, by and large.

More than Politics

While I might be on-board (to some extent)with Republican policies my dislike of their current leaders public personality is intense. Unfortunately, I just don’t like him because of his personality and associated behaviours.

So, will he be a good leader of the United States for the next four years.  Possibly.  Will he be a great leader, I doubt it, simply because of his lack of empathy and humility.

Personally I have worked closely with many leaders over the years that displayed a lot of similar traits to President Trump and on the plus side, they accomplished many things – some good, some bad but shit got done.  And then it was over.

On the other hand I have also worked for leaders with high levels of empathy and humility.  They were largely trusted by the majority.  They always got things done but in a collaborative way and their accomplishments live on.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

The Third World

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During the cold war Western largely democratic and capitalistic economies were referred to as the first world.   They were aligned against the Eastern/ Asian communist bloc which were referred to as the second world.

The Asian, African and Latin american countries not specifically aligned with either bloc and largely representing developing countries were classified as the third world.

Stereotypical

This classification, primarily instigated by first world leaders  was a clear example of bias and stereotypes in action.  The pompous first worlders assigned themselves status by using a numerical superior label (i.e., first).

Following the cold war, we continued with the need for unnecessary classification, where politics and market economies figure prominently in the grouping.

The third world is still a popular term for developing countries while emerging economies is now applied to countries with capital markets more stable than those of developing nations but still having a ways to go  before being robust first world countries.

BRIC

Leading the emerging economies is the BRIC block, that is Brazil, Russia, India and China.  Our need to classify as if one size fits all never seizes to amaze me.

A big problem with these broad groupings is they contain attached broad perceptions which are really unfair in some cases and clearly inaccurate in others.

I am sure we are all aware of impoverished war zones throughout the US with some  area of major cities no go zones for the police and other authorities.

Many so called third world and emerging market countries have well developed areas.  This mass labeling based on perceptions is really a poor practice.

 

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

The political answer

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I attended a question and answer session today with the Minister of Advanced Education for Alberta.  It was an interesting reminder for me about the political answer. 

Often politicians say a lot of words in response to a query but the question itself remains unanswered, although the intent is for the response to appear complete. 

Positive Perspective

Many of the inquiries were about funding ( no surprise).  The answers to these questions were a carefully crafted non-response.

That is the answer follows a pattern like; “funding that program has merit, however, all funding must be balanced, a budget review is imminent or underway and I really can’t say much more about that until the review is complete.

Being direct

This measured approach to responses is better for me than outrageous statements simply focused on making the speaker look good.

A good example of this, by a politician who is currently front and centre in the public eye, is the diatribe of Donald Trump.

President Trump does not hesitate to say what he is thinking, even if it contradicts what he said previously on the same topic, which it often does. 

Although his comments have led to labels like pathological, sexist, racist liar he somehow continues to retain some level of support and popularity.

It make me wonder is the measured, reasoned, logical approach to acting in the public interest is going by the wayside?

Is the population tiring of middle of the road politicians, are fierce conservative bullies with dictorial aspirations making a comeback?  Sadly, could be.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Politics

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Politics is the process of making decisions that will apply to a group.  The associated human behaviours can range from those exhibiting high honesty and integrity to those that do not (to say the least)

Niccolo Machivelli was a renowned 14th century author (The Prince) and political hack.  His most famous novel depicts the practice of politics quite realistically.

For the Greater Good

In Machiavelli’s view, as expressed in his epic novel The Prince, the practice of politics is by its very nature, focused on the decsion makers needs versus those the decisions are in aid of.

Machiavelli certainly had extensive experience working with the governing parties of fourteenth century Italy and much of this knowedge is shared in the book, probably quite accurately.

Interestingly though, these political practices are most likely not shaped in malice but rather practicality.  One of my favourite Machiaveli quotes is “It is a double pleasure to deceive the deceiver”

Nicely said.  Deceit, intrigue, gossip, manipulation are all prevelant and natural human behaviours.  The opposite behaviours like integrity, honesty and openness are the less natural ones requiring concious effort to practice.

Not Bad, Neccessary

People often talk about political or so called Machiavelian practices as less honourable and to be distained.  The unfortunate reality is these are both natural and effective behaviours.

I do not counsel their use indiscriminately but rather realistically as needed.  Forsaking them can impact your ability to achieve your goals and perhaps even your desires.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Mixing Communisum and Capitalism

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A colleague of mine recently returned from a MBA class trip to China.  I was curious about his on the ground observations of the combined capitalist/communist economy

Although a hard discussion to have without some political considerations creeping in, my own focus was on the difference between private and state owned enterprise.

Freedom to Get Rich

One of the intereting aspects appeared the key incentive of a capitalist model, the freedom to get rich, was offset somewhat by restrictions on your capital.

That is investing/reusing within China was okay but investing internationally (unless specifically to China’s benefit had some restrictions.

Moving your wealth out off the country, along perhaps with yourself is a freedom kept in check.

Making Everything at Home

A key aspect of China (from what my colleague observed) was the enormous manufacturing capability.  He toured a number of factories and while his gruop was somewhat guided in what they were shown, it was impressive.

This  manufacturing mightiness, an obvious abundance of capital and the political will to build the needed infrastructure  was clearly on display.

Working with Chinese Businessmen

Of course a key objective of the trip was to build knowledge around Chinese business practices and gain a sense of the best ways to collaborate.

An interesting observation about business negotiations was they stared with getting to know one another.  The social aspect was critical to building a business relationship and was not to be avoided, without negative effect.

It is an interesting concept, get to know who you are dealing with, before beginning to deal.