I thought Donald Trump's last book was his best to date. In the same way that each of his buildings seems to trump his most recent, so too with this book. Trump has once again trumped Trump. This is his best book yet (why do I have a feeling that an even better book is already in process???).
This is an easy book for critics to dismiss as a celebrity fluff piece. But, the book really is far better than that. The fifty short essays, in and by themselves, are first rate commentary on important concepts for business and life. Taken together, the fifty essays provide a wonderful insight into the way Trump thinks and acts. And, gaining an insight into how Trump thinks and acts is worthwhile for he is world's pre-eminent master at personal brand building - a competency needed for almost every successful person.
Each of the fifty essays is well written, and each concept is illustrated by a short story to reinforce the point being made. The result is a book that almost invites speed reading...but I urge readers to slow down and really think through each of the fifty points being made. Even better yet, challenge yourself to grade yourself, as I have, on each of the fifty points. By grading yourself, I expect that you will gain new respect for Trump and new insights into just how brilliant Trump is.
Let's take the example of "You Can Better Your Best at Anytime." The fact that Donald Trump walks the talk with this mantra is readily apparent. Each of his buildings outdoes his previous best. As does each of his books. Etc. Etc. Prior to reading this book, that life philosophy was not woven into the fabric of my life. In a world where many guru's are preaching "good is good enough," Trump exhorts us to make our efforts a masterpiece. Now making everything a masterpiece could easily put someone into a state of frozen perfectionism, but Trump's philosophies also embrace a "get it done" style that is the antithesis to being frozen in perfectionism.
My greatest take-away from the book was one that came indirectly from the book. As I absorbed all that I was reading about Trump, the wisdom of Mike Robbin's terrific book Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Already Taken: Transform Your Life with the Power of Authenticity was heavy on my mind. Trump is the essence of the authenticity that Robbins suggests can be so powerful. As a result of these two books, I now see Trump as being bold, rather than just brash. A man who speaks his mind in a direct manner from which we can all learn. A man whose branding is based on the power of authenticity. And, a man whose real life gift is being a walking example of living an authentic life in an era where so many of our role models have been shown to be so lacking in authenticity.
Awesome book, especially for those who treat it like a classic and really, really reflect on the inner meaning of this collection of fifty thoughtful essays.
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