In the spirit of the upcoming election, we thought it apropos to compare the management styles of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. This is not meant to be a political post but it’s worth diving into how they bring different approaches to leadership, each with distinct effects on those who work for them and broader implications for the American public. Harris is often described as community-oriented, prioritizing inclusivity and social justice, while Trump’s approach is more autocratic, emphasizing loyalty and decisive authority. These contrasting styles shape their workplaces in ways that reveal both the strengths and challenges of each leader’s approach.
Kamala Harris: Inclusivity with High Expectations
Kamala Harris has built her leadership approach around inclusivity, which focuses on a community-driven vision that encourages diversity and collective action. Her leadership style is characterized by her commitment to social causes and belief in mentorship, aiming to elevate underrepresented voices. According to CEO Magazine, Harris strives to “bring people together” and inspire younger generations to lead with conviction1. This approach can create a collaborative atmosphere where team members feel aligned with shared values and purpose.
However, high turnover within Harris’s office has raised concerns. Reports indicate that staff members sometimes experience her management style as overly critical. A former staffer noted, “With Kamala, you have to put up with a constant amount of soul-destroying criticism,” indicating that her intense scrutiny may affect morale2. The pressure for perfection has sometimes led to friction within her team, where some staff members feel their contributions aren’t always acknowledged. Additionally, Harris’s open-door policy, while fostering an inclusive environment, has occasionally led to conflicts over workload and clarity of roles3. Her defenders argue that these critiques are amplified by the pressures of being a high-profile woman of color in a traditionally male-dominated role, where leadership qualities are scrutinized differently2.
Donald Trump: Loyalty and Decisive Authority
Donald Trump’s management style is rooted in a top-down, loyalty-focused approach that is more typical in a corporate environment. Trump’s leadership has been described as decisive, autocratic, and even impulsive. He prioritizes loyalty from his team, and his directive approach often leads to high-stakes decision-making that can sometimes exclude collaborative input. Researchers Aubrey Immelman and Anne Marie Griebie found that Trump’s leadership is defined by an “ambitious/self-serving” and “dominant/controlling” pattern, bordering on exploitative4. This style can create a work environment where employees feel pressured to prioritize loyalty over critical feedback or alternative perspectives, potentially fostering a culture of “groupthink” where dissenting opinions are discouraged5.
The impact of Trump’s autocratic style on his team became apparent through the frequent turnover in his administration. His preference for “yes-men” has sometimes resulted in narrow decision-making that can backfire in complex government settings. Although this approach enables him to act swiftly and assertively—traits that can appeal to followers who favor strong, directive leadership—Trump’s leadership style can lead to poor decision outcomes when critical voices are stifled. This environment, while stable for loyalists, may not foster a robust, adaptable team culture essential for handling multifaceted policy challenges6.
Likely Outcomes for the American People
For the American public, the impact of these management styles will be felt in the policies and initiatives each leader champions, as well as in the tone they set for national discourse. Harris’s inclusive, purpose-driven style could resonate with citizens who value diversity and progressive change, promoting a sense of collective investment in issues like social justice, education, and healthcare. However, if her management struggles continue, there could be delays in her initiatives or difficulty in sustaining long-term support among her team, potentially limiting the effectiveness of her agenda.
Trump’s transactional style, if he remains influential, may continue to appeal to his base with its decisive, loyalty-focused ethos. His approach could lead to rapid policy shifts and assertive stances on issues where he has strong convictions, such as economic deregulation or immigration. However, the risk of polarized decision-making and lack of consensus may deepen national divisions, potentially complicating collective responses to complex challenges like climate change or foreign policy.
In summary, Harris’s inclusive yet demanding leadership style aims to build a collaborative vision that could foster unity, but may face internal challenges that could slow progress. Trump’s decisive but authoritarian approach favors quick decisions but risks limiting adaptability and increasing polarization. Each style has the potential to significantly impact the American public, underscoring how leadership approaches in high office can shape not just policy outcomes but also the broader national mood.
References
- CEO Magazine. “5 Inspiring Leadership Lessons from Kamala Harris.” CEO Magazine. Accessed October 2023. ↩
- Politico. “‘Not a healthy environment’: Kamala Harris’ office rife with dissent.” Politico. Accessed October 2023. ↩ ↩2
- Stars and Stripes. “A Kamala Harris staff exodus reignites questions about her leadership style, future ambitions.” Stars and Stripes. Accessed October 2023. ↩
- Immelman, Aubrey, and Griebie, Anne Marie. “The Personality Profile and Leadership Style of U.S. President Donald Trump.” St. John’s University and College of St. Benedict, 2020. ↩
- Burn, Shawn Meghan. “The Perils of Trump’s Autocratic Leadership Style.” Psychology Today, 2021. ↩
- Harvard Business School. “Donald J. Trump – Leadership Profile.” Harvard Business School. Accessed October 2023. ↩
