Before re-launching the new RR Racing with my brother, I
spent a long career working in consulting – primarily implementing complex
business applications and IT technologies.
One critique that haunted me throughout my career was that I was too
direct. Many times I told the client
the truth in a business world that not always wanted to hear the truth.
Over the years the situation got worse. Business culture has developed in the United
States that made people afraid to express any clear opinion about anything
slightly controversial for it may offend someone. Customers
have grown to expect to be told what they want to hear – they expect
accommodation instead of competence. Most
want to hear a “YES” – not even a “maybe” or “consider this”. I believe this culture was one of the reasons
why people from India took over the entire US IT industry – they are naturally
accommodating, agreeable, and not eager to tell the truth, while willing to
constantly apologize (but this is a subject for another article).
Trump cut through this attitude – he says what he thinks and
does not mince words. He is not ashamed
to point out if someone behaves or says something stupid. And surprise – many people actually like
him. Although many people like
conformity in the corporate world, many of them also understand the negative
impact of fake behavior – especially when such behavior impacts their own
performance and professional life.
Voters in the US got tired of politicians telling them what they wanted
to hear before the elections and then doing something else after. So now many voters are seeking candidates
like Trump, who seem to speak up their mind, with the hope that they will act
on all those direct expressions.
Directness translates into honesty for many voters.
But is Trump really the answer to the extreme “YES”
culture? Is the opposite to saying “YES”,
and avoiding telling the hard truths, is saying whatever comes to mind and using
derogatory names against anyone who you do not like? For me being truthful and direct never meant
being insulting and lacking of substance.
I would never tell a client or a colleague that I disagree with his or
her position without supporting my disagreement with a substantive, factual,
and intelligent explanation. I would
never use derogatory words in my disagreement, and I would do my best to
express my position in the most respectful manner.
The balance to overly protective YES culture is not an
abusive arrogant and empty of substance culture – both are negative extremes
that are not productive. So despite feeling good that Trump’s success
vindicated me, I hope that people would see the lack of substance and arrogance
that he has exhibited. Life works best
when balance is achieved – I hope that we all learn how to look for this
balance between a “YES” and “I know better” extremes.
