UK 
United States
Not all leaders are experts, but great senior leaders know how to get the best from their team
It’s been two weeks since the world woke to the news that Donald Trump - a controversial candidate with little political experience - had won the race for the American Presidency. His win proves many things – not least that complacency has no place in leadership, and that people who are unhappy with the status quo are attracted to potential leaders who promise to bring change. While ASK had no horse in this particular race and there are critical differences between countries and companies, the US Election result raises important points. Trump’s very lack of experience seems to a key part of his appeal to people. Neither shaped nor tainted by the way things have always been done, perhaps he can change them?
Great leadership is twofold. It’s about inspiration – about making people believe in your dreams for the future, whatever organisation you’re taking the helm of – and about positioning the right people in the right places to ensure that change can be delivered. Trump is open about his lack of knowledge in some areas of the leadership. Guided through the transition period and process by Obama, who is carefully mentoring his successor, Trump’s initial attention as President Elect is focussed on who will serve under him.
These decisions are how Trump will display his real leadership skills. His job isn’t to lead America on a day-to-day basis, but to choose the people who will do so and to be the face of the decisions that are taken. He may not have the political experience of those he defeated, but the country must still be led and governed: he’ll have to surround himself with a strong team and imbue them his vision.
