awhile to realize how valuable that background was in forming my
discipline as a businessman. It gave me a foundation from which
to operate and expand and a tendency toward thoroughness.
There’s integrity to building that cannot be compromised.
We’ve all seen the results of hastily constructed buildings in the
earthquakes and in other disasters around the world. I will not
jeopardize the safety and well-being of people, and if I’m known
to be a stickler for details, that is one of the reasons.
Our actions and words will eventually point us toward having
a reputation for having integrity or not having integrity. I’ve been
around long enough to know how valuable a commodity candor
can be. As a businessperson, it’s a strength that can see you through
everything.
Another important skill is negotiation. I receive many requests
asking me about my negotiation skills, and there’s a balance to suc-
cessful negotiation that many people fail to see. The best negotia-
tion is when both sides win. There’s a compromise involved, which
means careful listening, and when that is achieved you’ll see re-
sults that work. Business is an art in itself, and powerful negotia-
tion skills are one of the techniques necessary to facilitate success.
I give a lot of speeches, and one thing I will always emphasize
is the importance of passion. If you don’t love what you’re doing,
your margin for success is significantly reduced, and tough times
will be much tougher to get through. Passion gives a resiliency that
is necessary to achieve great things. Michelangelo is remembered
in our time more than any pope or politician of his time simply
because he gave the world so much—and against great odds. That
guy was intransigent. There is no doubt that he was passionate
about what he was doing. When things seem difficult, it’s good to
remind yourself of someone like that, someone who kept the
integrity of his art first and foremost in his mind and actions.
DONALD J. TRUMP