5 Lessons From The 2016 Election

You know presidential politics has turned into an entertaining circus when even your 12-year-old kids are following along.

That's what happened last month, when my twin boys were glued to the television set, bemused by the spitfire snapping between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Watching the debates reminded me why I've grown fond of this election season, politics aside. While some might be embarrassed that this is the face we're showing the world, I've found some of the moments we've witnessed quite educational. Here are five things we could all stand to learn from the presidential race:

1. The customer is always right. Despite big money and big politics, the people are being heard. They're angry, frustrated and fed up. Where once it seemed that the voiceless had no say, this election season has shown that there's enough of them to count. The candidates they're backing might seem bizarre or incongruous with past elections, but in the end, the voter (customer) gets what he or she wants.
2. The powerful are vulnerable, too. Watching Hillary Clinton's eventful candidacy has reminded me that no matter how powerful or "anointed" a person may seem, he or she still has to work very hard to succeed. Nothing beats pound-the-pavement work, no matter how high-level one gets. There is no such thing as inevitability. This election serves as a reminder for anyone in business to not take any success for granted.
3. Great communication skills really matter. Throughout the debates, Clinton nailed Trump over his lack of specific plans. Fair point; but up until then, Trump had been skating by largely on his impressive communications skills. The lesson here is clear: What you say is only as effective as how you say it.
4. Diversity counts. There was one moment, during the GOP debates, when it was pointed out that two of the top contenders for the GOP nomination were Hispanic. At one point, Ben Carson, an African-American surgeon, was in the lead. Hillary Clinton is fighting for all women. It's nice to see that presidential politics is beginning to look a little more like America itself.
5. Everyone makes mistakes. Trump has put his foot in his mouth on...several occasions. Clinton is still trying to dig out of her email mess. Gary Johnson could stand to brush up on his Syrian geography. Basically, everyone makes mistakes, no matter how well-rehearsed. You just have to hope that they're not career- or election-ending.

With any luck, we'll be hiring a president today. Before you head to the polls, watch our Radiate interview with veteran investor and political dabbler Alan Patricof, who—full disclosure—is a longtime Clinton fan.

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