November in the Tower

As predicted, this was going to be a busy month, and it has started that way. The Apprentice filming is in full swing, and that means early mornings and late nights for Mr. Trump, as well as for Ivanka and Don Jr. Mr. Trump is accustomed to an over-the-top schedule, and the office has proceeded seamlessly despite this added activity. Having the Mark Burnett team back is almost like getting back to normal in some ways, which says a lot for their expertise. Not too many places can absorb a television show being in process with hardly a ripple felt by anyone, but the Trump/Burnett connection has always clicked.

One day last week was stacked with so many people and meetings that a landing pattern formed just outside Mr. Trump’s office. Employees who need to see him will usually come to the front office, then sort of hang out and survey the competition. Who’s in his office now? Will it be a long meeting? Then, who’s next? Is he on the phone now? Who has a priority issue? Who was here first? Who will be permitted a crash landing? (Those with a deadline, for example.)

This congestion can lend itself to catch-up time for people from different floors, for briefing others on what is happening in their territory. I’m fortunate in that I’m close to his office, so I have the advantage of darting in when the coast is clear. But I learn a lot of things I wouldn’t otherwise know when these patterns emerge.

For example, the big, new state-of-the-art conference room opened on the floor below awhile ago, but I still hadn’t seen it. This floor is the work of Don Jr., Ivanka and Eric, and it’s elegant, sophisticated and very efficient - very much a reflection of their personalities in fact. After hearing the buzz about the conference room while hovering by their father’s door, I made a point to go down and see it. Not surprisingly, it’s fantastic.

Thinking of the patience and timing involved while dealing with the landing pattern outside of Mr. Trump’s office gave me the idea for this blog. Sometimes people call us and ask for a “weather report” before they venture to the front office, meaning is it fair weather, or would it be better to wait awhile? It can be tough going here sometimes, considering everything that is going on. It’s a form of doing your homework before plunging in. Everyone has important issues, but it’s the wise thing to test the waters first.

The same is true for your own endeavors - take the time to develop the patience for a strategy that respects your time as well as the time of those around you. It’s a form of efficiency that is effective for everyone, and appreciated by everyone, especially very busy people - and who isn’t busy these days? It’s a business technique that I’ve learned from watching Mr. Trump in action. He is extremely efficient and has a respect for time - and timing - that is remarkable. It may be an innate ability for him, but it’s something I think we can all learn to some extent. It’s a great business lesson - and it comes down to paying attention.

That’s pretty simple, if not easy, and it’s something we can all do, or aspire to do. So give that some thought and maybe someday people will be hovering outside of your door. Just make sure they understand the landing pattern!