While there is much debate surrounding the supposed friendship between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, one thing is certain: Trump is taking cues from Putin’s HR staffing guidelines. This is the argument put forth by Yale School of Management professor, Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, in a recent article.
Sonnenfeld starts off the article by drawing attention to the unconventional and controversial appointments made by Trump since taking office. From his daughter and son-in-law serving as advisors to previous businesses associates and reality TV stars filling top positions, there has been widespread criticism of Trump’s staffing choices. However, Sonnenfeld argues that these appointments are not as chaotic and haphazard as they may seem.
Instead, Sonnenfeld posits that Trump is actually following Putin’s HR playbook. He points out that since coming to power in 1999, Putin has consistently filled his administration with people he knows personally and trusts completely. These appointments are often based on loyalty and personal relationships rather than traditional qualifications and experience.
Sonnenfeld goes on to explain that this approach has proven to be effective for Putin, allowing him to maintain a tight grip on power and ensure his policies are implemented without resistance. Trump, it seems, has taken note of this and is attempting to replicate it in his own administration.
But what does this mean for Trump’s administration and the American people? For one, Sonnenfeld argues that it may lead to a lack of diversity in ideas and perspectives within the government. By surrounding himself with people he already knows and trusts, Trump is potentially closing himself off to new ideas and perspectives that could benefit his administration and the country.
Furthermore, Sonnenfeld suggests that this approach could also lead to a lack of professionalism and competence in key positions. While Trump’s appointments may be loyal and trusted individuals, they may not necessarily have the qualifications and experience necessary for their positions. This could result in ineffective leadership and decision-making, which could have serious repercussions for the country.
But perhaps the most concerning aspect of Trump following Putin’s HR guidelines is the potential impact on democracy and government institutions. Putin’s approach to staffing has been accused of contributing to the erosion of democratic values in Russia, with critics arguing that the lack of checks and balances in his administration has allowed him to consolidate power and rule with near-autocratic authority.
Sonnenfeld warns that if Trump continues down this path, it could have similar consequences for the US. By surrounding himself with loyalists and disregarding traditional qualifications and experience, Trump may be undermining the very foundations of American democracy.
In conclusion, Sonnenfeld’s argument is a cautionary one, highlighting the potential dangers of Trump following Putin’s HR playbook. While it may be tempting for Trump to surround himself with people he knows and trusts, it is important for him to also consider the diversity of ideas and perspectives within his administration and the qualifications and experience of his appointees. Only by doing so can he ensure effective leadership and protect the democratic values of the United States.
