Situational Leadership Theory developed by Dr Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard states that the most effective leaders change their management style to the maturity and readiness level of their team members for specific tasks. The objective of Situational Leadership Theory is to get the best results in a given circumstance.
On Thursday 1st October, The President of the United States Donald Trump traveled by road from Denten, Texas to an event in Durant, Oklahoma. The US President had to travel on road because the secret service reported that they can’t travel by air due to severe stormy weather. To get to Oklahoma by road, Pres Trump’s motorcade hit nearly 100 mph to meet over 10,000 people waiting to receive him in Oklahoma! This is being intentional.
I watched how President Trump narrated the interesting story on international news … how he inquired from secret service to know how fast the Beast can travel on the road, and they replied 100mph. When he got their response, he said to them, “hit the damn road!” This is unstoppable spirit.
What do we learn from the case?
Read on
*How do you measure leadership?*
Leadership is measured by what you do when the plans fall apart.
An exceptional captain is discover during turbulence, not during a normal sail.
The most convenient thing for Pres Trump to do at that time was to listen to the secret service and cancel the trip. But he asked to know other ways to achieve the right result.
*Puting Electorates First*
President Trump didn’t just see a cancellation of a planned action, rather, he analyzed the situation as disappointing over 10,000 electorates waiting for him in Oklahoma. That’s leadership! He didn’t want 10,000 people to wait without seeing him – after promising to see them. True leaders keep their words.
*A Special Media Interview*
On their way to Oklahoma, Pres Trump watched the media crew interviewing three people who were waiting for his arrival. He said he was thrilled when they said they just came to see the president because they love what he’s doing in the US. The interview made the president happy that when he got to Oklahoma, he had to invite the men on the stage to celebrate them. Watching the men in his vehicle, recognizing them at the arena and inviting them to come on the stage – is a great quality of paying attention to details. It is a great attribute of emotional intelligence. It is an advanced level of social skill.
*The Right Team and Facilities*
The Beast is the custom-built heavy-duty armoured presidential limousine used by the President of the US States. The beast is widely believed to be the most secured and heavily protected vehicle in the world. So, to take the decision to go by road is a calculated risk. Another element is the sophisticated nature of the secret service. They are topnotch in security services, so they can protect the POTUS on the road trip.
*A measure of confidence and courage*
From what happened on 1st October, observers will simply conclude that President Trump is courageous and an exceptionally confident person.
*The key takeaways from the case include:*
1. *Find other smart ways.* There are other ways to achieve results, find them! When there’s a challenge in a task, ask yourself, what are other ways to get things done and meet the target. Don’t dwell on excuses or justify reasons to fail. Fix stuff!
2. *Set clear Goals.* As a leader, your goals must be clear to you. If you know where you are going, any road you choose will lead you there. If you don’t know where you are going, no road will lead you there.
3. *People matter*. Your teams matter, build the right teams, just like President Trump trusted that his team will take him safely from Texas to Oklahoma. Your customers matter, try to satisfy or delight them, just like President Trump went the extra mile to make his supporters happy. If you are a politician, delight the electorates by your actions and performance.
4. *Build the right infrastructure, facilities, and society*. Pres Trump’s decision was centered around infrastructure, facilities and ideal society. He trusts their system. He trusts their equipment, gadgets, and everything that will travel by road with him. He trusts the level of security in the United States. He trusts the Beast!
5. *Keep Your Eyes on the Ball.* Your drive all the time should be how to score goals and achieve your target. Quit excuses and embrace solutions! POTUS Trump’s decision was topnotch. His eyes were on the ball. No distractions.
6. *Where do we go from here?* In your place of work, what will you do differently if you find yourself in a tough situation like this case? Let’s read your take on President Trump’s Oklahoma trip.
Happy Customer Service Week. Customer Service Week starts today Monday 5th October to Friday, 9th October 2026. The theme of this year’s edition is: The Extra Mile.
I told the story of President Trump to show how leaders go the extra mile to get this done.
Move from good to better, then to best.
George O.Emetuche,CES
The Selling Champion.