Now that you’ve read the title of the essay, I can ask you the question: “Did you ever think you’d see those celebrity names in the same sentence? If you’re willing to hang in there with me on this, you’ll learn why I’ve created a category where 45/47 is an appropriate fit alongside the two master artists. It’s about the beginning of the arc of their vocational life. It’s about the way in which they share unique mentoring realities that likely strengthened and accelerated excellence in their chosen occupation.
This is what we know about the three men as adults; each was recognized as highly creative and earned extraordinarily productive careers. All experienced “difficulties” with the establishment of their time; yet developed a loyal and large fanbase. The mentioned artists from the past outlasted their critics and are even known by “pedestrian folk”, who may experience examples from their body of work less than one time per year. That’s some accomplishment! Of course, everyone knows Trump.
Wikipedia describes Wolfgang Mozart’s father Leopold as a German composer, violinist, and music theorist. The father of Pablo Picasso, Jose’ Ruiz, was a Spanish painter and art teacher. It’s acknowledged that each of the men was highly involved in identifying and shaping the inherent talent they recognized in their child. Given their expertise, they were legitimate sources to communicate the fundamentals of their craft. Since the sons followed the career path of their father, one can presume compliments and critique were presented within a complex and blended environment of primal connection and bonded affection even if each teacher was perfectionistic, sometimes harsh, and humanely imperfect.
According to Michael D’Antonio, in a 2016 interview for Newsweek, Donald Trump described the learning experience with his dad slightly different than the artists, in that Fred Trump expected his son to “learn things by osmosis”. The interviewer stated that Fred’s way of paying attention to his children was to let them watch him at work. Trump goes on to say his dad “was a tough guy, but he was legit”. Fred’s work habits rubbed off, since Donald describes his dad as a fiercely ambitious man who worked seven days a week. During this interview we learn that “he pushed his son Donald to prevail in every arena—to be a ‘killer’ and a ‘king’; yet didn’t tell the young man how to achieve his destiny”. In Fred’s defense, a young painter or musician must do the work to demonstrate competence, but it wouldn’t be wise to allow one’s kid to cut deals, interact with labor, manage a staff, or handle finances.
Early training provides a significant asset for the learner. The chances of being successful in a career are increased when a clear overview of the field is attained at an earlier age than one’s peers. Continuous observations and conversations allow children to optimize their skills, comprehend the culture of their desired profession, and enroll for opportunities that accelerate the presentation of their performance art. This unique experience equips them to avoid many of the required lessons their contemporaries will suffer at the School of Hard Knocks.
Donald Trump was never known as a guy who painted within the lines and he’s always marched to the tune of a different drummer. Perhaps that’s why his first, and most famous, book is titled The Art of the Deal.
Stew Bolno is a chronological peer of Donald Trump. He’s been a student, college professor, and consultant on leadership during his 50-year career. He’s followed politics longer than that time. His recent book is “Leadership Lessons And You: From A to Z – featuring Donald Trump” and he’s written scores of essays about him since he descended the Trump Tower staircase. You can contact him directly at his e-mail address or purchase a paperback version of his book at Amazon.