Now that the dust is starting to settle on the world’s most anticipated election, it felt appropriate this month to discuss the dynamics of Trump’s second win. Politics, and even more so, opinions regarding Trump, are highly sensitive; which is hardly surprising in this case given that the words felon and convict hit the headlines alongside the new presidents-elect name.
Whilst a challenge not to comment on the man himself, it’s important for balance to not turn this assessment into either a pro or against Trump piece, but to provide a brief analysis of his win (or a Democrat loss), particularly when considering engagement, leadership and succession planning - which are also key considerations facing firms today.
Engagement
At its core, through an election, voters are faced with a choice; continue with the same or opt for change. It’s entirely plausible that any opposing party have an advantage if current sentiment is poor, simply as populations attempt to alter the current trajectory. Nevertheless, Trump certainly used this to his full advantage and homed in, throughout his campaign, on the key issues in the minds of Americans today. Without endorsing his approach or suggested actions, he, in the eyes of many voters, listened, engaged with and spoke to their key concerns; the state of the economy, excessive red-tape and regulation, and unsustainable immigration levels.
On the other side of this, whilst Harris at the early stages of her campaign shows signs of differentiating herself from Biden, stating she would “turn the page” and “not going back” in an attempt to revive hope back to the party - in the latter stages when questioned on Biden’s economic policies and what she would do differently she replied with “not a thing that comes to mind”. Such comments didn’t land well, with dissatisfaction levels remaining high with Biden’s track record of high levels of inflation, sluggish GDP growth (subject to difficult comparisons post-Covid), and lower average “real” wages.
Leadership
In most cases, individuals, whether it’s within their workplace or on the world stage, wish to have clear lines of communication and firm agendas - ultimately there’s a sense comfort in knowing “what you’re going to get”. Again, casting aside personal views on exact policies and their boarder implications. From tariffs, taxes and aims of deregulation, Trump has been nothing but clear on his plans. This is also boasted by a strong, business track-record whereby he has delivered on results, been decisive and grown an empire.
Succession planning
Putting aside a strong campaign from the opposition, or individual leaders, the Democrats failed to give themselves the best start. With Biden adamant to run for re-election and reluctant to step aside, even after a disastrous high-profile debate, Kalama was pushed into the spotlight with limited time and options.
Usual democratic voters had no chance to vote for their preferred party leader, ended up with Harris as default, and as such were arguably less connected to their “chosen” nominee - whilst quoted numbers vary, it’s estimated that approximately 13 million long-standing democratic voters shunned the polls relative to the 2020 election.
Equally, from the party’s viewpoint, there wasn’t time to consider or put together a well throughout campaign tailored to suit her approach or even prior to that, battle-test a chosen nominee and gauge poll responses, particularly in those all-important swing states. Arguably this led to a campaign, which lacked direction and was more focused on putting down the Republicans over self-promotion.
In line with the election result itself, some may agree or disagree with the above. - we live in a democracy after all! That said, and election aside, through a director/future director’s lens, these concepts: clear direction, decisive leadership and positive engagement with stakeholders, are arguably just as valid as we shape the businesses and boardrooms of the future.