When to Listen

Ride'm cowboy! Oh yeah and while your at it go green! aka Tony

Seriously I couldn't agree with you more. I'm glad I went with my gut.

I haven't quite figured out act I, scene II but I'm certain it will be suspenful!

Whatever you do don't listen to anything I have to say. Heaven knows what a disaster that would be. However, perhaps we have learned from past mistakes. I mean I heard it said most people who are successful have failed several times before becoming great success, no?

Donald,
You had to go to Manhattan,
It's you or I shoulld say part of you.
Your style.

You know, sometimes people give advice thinking/intending it's best for you when actually it's best for them. An underlying self centered, selfish motive. Whether they recognize it or not. However a loyal employee will never do that. Most often it's connected with how do I fit in? How will that effect me? They may be thinking those thoughts without even recognizing the thought. Relatives have a tendancy towards that area. Thinking it;s best for you with how is it going to effect them in the back of their mind. Then you can run into the control freaks whether related or not. I like eliminating control freaks in my life. Except ONE.
Good job Donald. Good job.

Jerilynn

I yield, and thank you muchissimo! not desearve it but honored to receive the proper advice at the right time,as allways.
Is incredible.just this.
Let*s have a wonderfull day!
to follow the inner gut ..hmm, not manny even listen at, and are not manny to advice it generally spoken but is the most precious gift for
life succes and s.o. endlessly.
Daniela

As someone who has a passion for giving advice, what I can say is that a good advisor knows their place. My place is to provide my advisee with the information and understanding they need to make informed decisions- not to make their decisions for them. Because I know I'm not the one pushing the button, that leaves me free to make observations to facilitate my advisee to thinking clearly about whatever they are trying to accomplish and ultimately whatever decision they make, will be an informed decision. Sometimes this is a simple matter of saying what is needed to motivate them to move past their fear of the unknown so they can look at the situation at hand in objective manner needed to be able to properly resolve it. This system works to advantage particularly in high pressure situations where the most important function I serve is as the cool voice of reason- and ultimately acts to facilitate powers that be to act in the best interests of the company when they might otherwise find it difficult to.

It must have been difficult to listen to any of your potential 'Apprentices' last night. The ideas were half baked, needed a little more time in the creative cranial oven. Close but no cigar. The last group (Heidi, Franky)had potential on the brochure only if they'd eliminated about 90% of the writing and started with yourself almost as a humble door man with your winning smile beckoning the guests inside. 'Come indulge with the Donald'. Enter Trumps' magical kingdom (why not equate your name with Disney, you create the best buildings, now give them the best, a magical memorable experience. 'Double your pleasure, double your
luxury, double or nothing....' Two building images, inside at the top of the brochure have a couple at a beautiful candlelit dinner overlooking a panoramic vista of vegas. 'Double your chances of success....
take an extravagant tour of the town or enjoy the best seat in the house atop your luxurious penthouse suite. next photo, have a beautiful fixing her hair in front of a golden vanity mirror, in her 'Trump' 'T' emblazoned terry cloth robe. "Like cinderella preparing to meet her prince charming, 'double your chances...'(or something like that?) The pictures should be of happy sucessful people indulging themselves, they've earned it. Trump International Tower, Double your pleasure, double your success, double or nothing!' (Why not truly beef up double, twice..., there are no other dynamic duo building destinations in vegas, am I correct? James and Stefani had a great presentation, and certainly on the right track, but it could have cued in on more unique quality features which sets Trump aapart, above the rest. Your billion dollar smile could definitely enhance the brochure. But why should you listen to me? For whatever it's worth, be the best, on par with Disney, whose unforgettable magical experiences are enjoyed by one and all around the globe.
Dr B unraudds@telus.net 403-246-0523

Dear Mr. Trump,

In regards to this blog, from what I have seen on The Apprentice it is a rare occasion that someone who sits at your right or left hand disagrees with you.

I could see George or Carolyn doing it at some point as they seemed a bit more business savv. But in the end they always seem to abide by what ever direction you took and never took a strong stand.

Your son and daughter don't seem to put up much of a fight in regards to defending any of the would be "apprentices" against your will if you have targeted them for elimination.

Having the project leaders from the winning teams in there (who are trying to get a job from you), do you really expect them to stand toe-to-toe with you and try to change your mindor flat out tell you that you are making a mistake? Never seen it happen so far and don't expect it to. They try to say something and you usually dismiss them out of hand or cut them off. Albeit usually for a good reason.

I am sure that at some levels of your organization you have staff who can be brutally honest with you and not appear as syncophantic as the people who share the spotlight on "The Apprentice". It would be nice to see some of those people in action.

People saying "yes" to you all the time is not a good thing. I once sat in a review situation where my manager asked me a question to which my response was "do you want me to tell you what you want to hear, or tell you the truth". I said this in response to a situation where I worked for someone much like yourself who was surrounded with people who were afraid to speak their mind. I was asked for the truth and in the end I did not get what I wanted, but I still walked out of there with my pride and that was more important to me than selling out my self respect.

I think it's great you listen, but Mr. Trump in all honesty are you getting advice you can really use?

Best wishes.

William Harding
Kentucky

Listen with open ears, but act with deaf ones. Being a leader is the result of good past decisions. However understanding that one can learn from someone else’s mistakes or experience can prevent your own mistakes and propel your success. It is better to learn from the mistake of others, than to make the mistake yourself.

Everyone wants to offer their opinion though as they are free. But they must be prepared for criticism and a careful critique. A sound decision will welcome question. An opinion being defended in pride exposes areas for personal growth and maturation. Opinions defended with reason will be considered, and gain the respect and trust of a leader.

When following a leader it is important to trust their decision making ability. If you don't believe in your leaders decision making abilities DO NOT TRY TO TAKE OVER AS LEADER that is called tyranny. Instead offer solutions and insight based on reason, or find a new leader, or find yoru own team to lead. When being an integrated part of a business unit, know your position, and execute and your abilities.

Be weary of offering a half thought through opinion. It will waste time, which is money, and removing money facets of a business that are wastefull is good practice and business maintannce. Dont be afraid of offering a well thought out idea, be afraid of offering an idea that wastes your time, and your leaders... finding people who are capable of offering sound opinions is an integral part of good leadership and success

I totally agree! I'm the same age now when D. Trump started his own RE deals, and my father told me to stick to what he was doing instead of doing my own deals and trying out my own ideas. I'm in the process of getting out of his shadow and will hopefully have some deals going on my own soon. I know he means well, but we just have different ideas and visions.

Hand in hand with knowing when to listen is knowing when to speak. Consider the other side. I understand the unsolcited advice, and make a personal point to not give it. The most knowledgable people are so because they knew when to listen, and when to speak. I have to say I have placed myself mentaly in the boardroom, on both sides of the table, and my tolerence is much different from what I see. I have also placed myself in tasks and have a much different outcome there as well. I put not only my education into the sittuation, but practice, policy and personality as well.

You, Sir, are the reason I have pushed as far in my life as I have, and twistedly enough are the reason I don't have time to make a video to send so I can be on your show. I do know, should I ever manage to swing the time to actually get a video in, I would not be saying "I am the next apprentice" because I find it egotistical, and also find it tends to be said on the show by those who are far from worth being there, and up until the last week is always said by those who are about to get fired. It comes back to knowing when to talk.

My life is a path where nobody have walked, walks or will walk ever.
So, I will listen advice only from One who does the same thing:-)

Ina Matijevic***

Mr. Trump,

look, I don*t like to waste the people*s time, is too precious.
I know now the value of your words, expect problems don*t waste energy! well, each problem have solutions and that I would like
persuade you once again for a win win deal.

Time is precious but to sustain properly my propose to work for you
Mr. Trump, I have a plan to give it into your hands to balance the outcome: make the dreams become true by due diligence!

Thank you in advance for the time and attention
and we see it soon what the best is to do for.

I count hard in your advice and sustainment, that is:
under pressure, emotions but don*t give up from my part soo,
let*s have a great work day, and see the results, is that fair,
ok for you too, Sir?thank you.
Daniela

As a big man such as Mr.Trump, he deserves have some advisor. Though he will follow his guts to do his will.

Some people find out through literatures, media, colleagues thoughts and other sources. These are only to guide them to make decision/ to follow their guts.

But some people take time to listen by wind themselves. Pull out themselves from the busiest things, and keep watching what people do. They are listening to their guts on that time. They useful their time with efficiently and effectively. When they are strong enough, then they start to do something.

For women, I hope they are not too smart! Otherwise, they will not listen to their colleagues words then they will jump to the mistake. Listening and watching much better for time being........

u are righ Mr Trumpt do what is best for yourself.afterall it si your future that its at stake.Advisors and biard members may only advise u that much but at the end it iis up to u.cheerios to mr Trump for taking the rigth step

Well Mr.Trump to be honest i watch Apprentice for your advice on busniess and advice to do good in life.i think somtimes u have to listen to other people but many times decline there decision and follow what u think is right.i have no exprince in busniess but in my life i know.whatever i followed on from my heart.i succeded.take my mother she run an insitution for last 15 years and it been full to every seat but she dont wanna buy a new building coz she says its risk,coz i tell her to get loan from bank by a buliding coz 'oppertunity knock once in a lifetime' and she never listen to me coz she s afarid of not fulfilling the loan from bank.but i tell her its all risk.you never know when u gonna shoot up in busniess and when u gonna go down.its all risks.but u gotta take it coz its all risk and your decision power how to make it.your my ideal Mr.Trump and i wish i could participate in Apprentice but i am in pakistan.its my dream to work with a person like you /with you.
Regards,
Ammar

Listening to others can (and I'm sure does) take the edge off motivation. I wonder how many brilliant projects never made it to theblueprint stage because a well-meaning comment blunted someone's inspiration and lessened the drive. Great post.

Margaret

The best way to have somebody reject your advice.
Offer it before they ask for it.

I just wanted to give you my feedback on The Apprentice, if you will listen.

I believe your show would be more realistic if each candidate worked with other employees that weren't competing for the same job. It is obvious to me that when you take on projects with a group of people that all want the same job, it becomes obvious that they will try to sabotage the project and make whoever is the leader look bad. It would be better to see how a leader works with other members of a team that have one goal in mind and that is to do it successfully. That can't realistically happen on your show the way you do it today. Just try to do it my way and see how much more successful each leader becomes in their own right. Just a thought thinking outside your box!

I greatly appreciate Mr. Trump's words this week. Personally, I have found the world to be full of people who want to give unsolicited advice. I have to accept my share of the blame for I'm guilty of giving unsolicited advice. It's easy to do. At times unsolicited advice can barrage my thought processes in such quantity that I find myself shutting it out or turning it off like static on a radio. I appreciated Mr. Trump sharing how even in the midst of advice received from those dear to him, he remained focused on his passion.

When I watch "The Apprentice", I watch it as if it were a classroom, where I can learn something each week. While observing the personalities, I have noticed how Mr. Trump seeks the opinions of those around him, but more obvious, even though he may not follow their advice, I have noted the respect he shows them for their opinion. This keeps their advice flowing for they know, as a person, they are more respected than their words. Sometimes, when people are bombarding my already busy mind with unsolicited advice, I fail in my fast paced mental thinking processes to take a second and give them a word, or even a smile so they as a person know they are appreciated. It's what I feel for them, but looking back I can see where I've often failed to demonstrate it, or communicate it. A lesson I'm taking to heart. Thank you Mr. Trump.

James C. Tanner
British Columbia, Canada

It is sooo puzzling to me that people are more than eager to give you advice when it comes to things they don'y have the slightest idea about.
I think when most of the people here something what unconventional, unusual or simply uncomfortable they automatically advise you against it. It is like a reflex what comes out from their mouth.
For example, when somebody(who is not even a lawyer)tells you:"Oh, I know the law") he or she is a big lier. in order to know the law, including the most recent changes and updates one needs to learn it 24 hours 7 days a week, and even than i am not sure he/she would have time to read it all, let alone remember it.
However, most of the time they mean it well, as Mr.Trump said.
I found the best way to deal with advices is to listen to them, but not interpret them.

Mr. Trump, if you hadn't gone with your gut and taken Manhattan somebody else would have.

Napoleon Hill said the same thing in his book "Think and Grow Rich". Mr. Henry Ford had people around him that could get information he needed and advise him. In the end, he made his own decision. We're all individuals and have our own paths in life to take.

My family wanted me to do the "corporate thing", I instead chose Network Marketing. It's fun, exciting and most of all I get to meet new and interesting people.

Mr. Trump, I'm reading your book "Why We Want You to be Rich" with Mr. Robery Kiyosaki. I not only have enjoyed learning about the state of the world now, but how I can take action to keep myself from falling into the wrong category.

Advice is nice, but a firm decision is better along with setting your goals.

I am not sure if you read these posts Mr. Trump, but I want to thank you for what you wrote. I too ask others what they think, I have to admit that I am not 100% right all the time. I appriciate others views and sometimes I can use those ideas.

Many of my co-workers think that I may be lacking in my confidence when I seek their opinion. After reading your "article", I am happy to see that someone like yourself seeks other individuals insight as well.

Thank you!!

hi Donald
i really abmire what you do in you life.

Hey good looking!

Dear Mr. Trump,

Another great article, and another great episode of the Apprentice.
I find your show to be so helpful for myself, and my 12-year-old daughter who is helping me try and make a go of my business, while I still maintain a conventional job.
I have found your words to be very true.
Though my experiences is at a smaller scale then what you face, from time to time I get advice on how to run a business or to just quit and stick with my day job.
Well I will not quit, history has shown that great leaders like yourself have proven that hard work, a willingness to get out there, and going with your gut, anyone can achieve.
PAUL E PHILLIPS
memorymaker4u.com

The problem with this advice is that Mr. Trumps' gut is smarter than everyone elses.

I always go with my gut. I use my experience and my ability to communicate with people to get things done the way I like to see them done, which is the right way. When I first started in architecture, taking classes in high school and on to college, I went with my gut and it landed me in on special projects and in committee chair seats. Back in the early 90's, when I took my knowledge of what I learned in college, and I wanted to use it in the corporate environment, I went with my gut and it landed me an intern to project management position with the biggest corporate real estate developing firm in California. The best way you learn about yourself and bring the best talents out of you, is you have to have the guts to put yourself out there and show your stuff. Yes, always go with your gut... ps. I have the Cingular answertone too! Now that's guts!

of course

I am trying to develope a habit of asking people just so I might understand them better. What do I mean by this? Everyone is different. Sometimes a person is just too close to see objectively - I know because that is one of my stories. Therefore to see outside the box I really try. Gauging a person's reply on items sheds light in many ways:
Their range of perpective -
Ideas that I haven't thought of -
Whether there are any ideas -
Possible hidden agendas -
Eventually learning the truth and trustworthiness.
Assigning their core relevance.

In the Desiderata piece, there is a phrase that goes something like "Be wary of giving advise, wise (wo)men don't need it and fools won't heed it."

Also, I have been told that if you give away the store, you probably will not see a profit. Make em pay for the advice.

Getting advice and asking questions to determine where someone is at or where they want you to think that they are at, are of course different things.

Some people are just so excited and happy that they tell you text-book and whatever. One needs to consider the responses over time.

I have learned that it is good to have a diversified core of people to regularly get insights on. This diversification should include those that may not be always agreeable. Alternative perspectives may shed hidden lights about the topic. Varying your core group in relation to differing aspects of your business or agenda(s) is useful.

Again, it isn't personal its only business.

PS
If you feel that you have the right stuff, and whoever has the power doesn't have it, then by all means take over. Network, compare notes, figure out how to do it and then proceed. This is within the organization and also business in general. Some call this being competitive. You'll always wonder and learn immensely.

Mr. Trump:

I admired you greatly. You are one of my heroes.

Woow this is completly true.
What I have learned to do during the past years is to listen as much as I can to diffrent people with diffrent views and diffrent interest and then take the final decision based on my own analysis.
Defenetly looking at Mr. Donald Trump & Dr. Gary Eldred and learning from them will teach u this way of thinking and acting.
By Mohsen Mofid, Tel: 00971507451687

I always ask for advice..but do what I feel is best. Getting too much advice isn't good because then it only confuses you. Still, it is good to get some other opinions before making a major decision. Your father was just being safe & conservative. You went with your gut..had a lot of confidence in yourself & took Manhatten.

Does the future of knowing where to build depend on your gut? I noticed a program at my university called Urban Planning Systems. Satellite graphics of an area lets say in New York that defines the area desired in a lot of ways. More than street names. Future builds, cost which can be developed after seeing the area within and around. Would you believe I even went so far as to fax you a copy of a professors interpretaton of it. The professor at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee helped design my parents house. Just say you have gotten the blog and I'll know it was a good enough idea. And if I can take the class I'll even try to work for you if I get the right prerequisites.Michele

Dear Mr. Trump, on this past Sunday's, Apprentice, April 8, I do not know if you went with your gut, or a predetermined decision. Remember I mentioned weeks back that I thought you would choose Frankie because of his background in construction, and I told you I would be scared to work for him because he does not take accountability? You should have fired him, hands down, on Sunday's show. But, you switched your decision-making, perceivably, in the last second and fired one person from the bottom two teams instead - saving Frankie. I respect your willingness to change in the last minute, if that is indeed what happened. But, I am wondering if you were going with the moment, or if, again, you were going with a predetermined decision.

Nice story!

I too went my own way and am much happier! I did learn a lot from working for my father as well and learned to apply my own abilities and adaptations. Success breeds success!

Mr. Trump I love your show. My husband and I watch faithfully every week. We would love it if an earlier time slot on Sunday nights would open up for your show. May I please give you some thoughts on your choice between the four applicants for the decision on your Apprentice next week. Our gut says Stephanie is the best choice for you. Being an attorney she is very practical and speaks quite well. She is loyal. She is "Trump material" in my book. Frank and Nicole are too brash & immature. Nicole killed my opinion when she and Tim got together. James is very good, in fact, my second choice all along. James does mico manage too much. Good example was the directing of the air fresher ad, working the time into the ground! Time is money and the ad might have been better if he was more focused - like Stephanie was all along!
One more thing Mr. Trump, please no more tents. It is much more classy with everyone inside and not eatting on paper plates. I hope you will continue this show for many more seasons! We love you!
Mrs. Zela Mueller, Pensacola, FL

When I listen to advice I always remember, since I'm naturally stubborn that the name of the individual giving me the advice will not be posted on the bonus or the degree. It will say my name. But I am always careful where I am taking the advice from. Sense the intents involved. And never judge a book by its cover. That takes the most intent listening skills. With my family I fight, but they always end up being right. Because we are not a bunch of people on a ship anymore. My immediate family never was. Family members usually know you inside and out and direct. And trust me those who give subtle direct constructive criticism are most effective as a boss. I use to say to statements in an interview . 1) I am accountable not only to my boss but my coworkers as well and 2) The worst power struggle is within oneself and I wan't to be able to look at my reflection in the mirror in the morning. Please tell Ms. Couric to do a brief on money and religous identity for the middle East and how it paralles how we developed. (or doesn't) and finish it by doing live coverage of the Queen's visit. Sincerely, I know she can't stand me but I'd work for her too. Michele

I do agree with you Mr. Trump. It is always good to listen to the people and take their opinions, especially when it make sense.
Previous experience sometimes may lead you in wrong directions as it is based in "old parameters" and new actions may require something else to do "new parameters" in order to be successful.
In that case, perceive your opinion if your arguments are stronger than others.
Respectfully, Driton.

Now that Federal laws are the only ones regulating banks for the financing of housing rates can you explain to me how this would lower them and make them more efficent in your next blog entry? Because that would be of interest to me. Michele

Hmmm, when to listen? How about this story that was presented to me by a friend. "A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20.00 bill. In a room of 200, he asked Who would like this $20 bill? Hands started going up Hw said, I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first let me do this. He proceeded to crumple the dollar up. He then asked, Who still wants it? Still the hands were up in the air. Well, he replied, what if I do this, and he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. Now who wants it? Still the hands went up into the air. My friends we have all learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money , you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped crumpled, and ground into the ground by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happpened or will happen, you will never lose your value. Dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to those who love you. The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or whom we know, but WHO WE ARE. You are special-Don't ever forget it. If you do not pass this on, you may never know the lives it touches, the hurting it speaks to, or the hope it can bring. Count you blessings, not your problems. Never be afraid to try something new. And remember.... Amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the TItanic. My friend and my family's are living proof and there are more out there. Please read the book I sent and the other item as belief in you that you may start seeing the truth about people that has evaded you in the past. Michele