What Trump’s Tariffs Reveal About Innovation

Trump’s tariffs and Captain Tom Bostick’s battlefield strategy illustrate two contrasting approaches to innovation.

A large enemy force tried to overrun our small outpost near Kamu, Afghanistan. The outpost was deep in a glacier-cut mountain valley. The enemy fired at the outpost from across the river, trying to fix our attention, while a strike force moved from the southwest.

The commander, Captain Tom Bostick, deployed scouts who discovered the attacking force. Tom set an ambush and annihilated them before turning his attention across the river.

He thought the enemy had their command post in a mountain cave overlooking the outpost. He directed 30mm cannon fire from the A-10 Warthog to the cliff face. “They are shooting above us,” the enemy commander said over the walkie-talkie, which Tom’s interpreter monitored.

Tom directed the aircraft to fire higher up. “They are shooting below us,” announced the excited voice. Tom and the A-10 pilot had the enemy bracketed. The pilot spotted the cave, spewing 30mm into it while his wingman lined up a 500lb bomb. 

“Pray for us,” was the enemy’s last transmission.

Tom used reconnaissance by fire to reveal the enemy’s location before dropping the remaining 500lb bomb. 

Trump’s Tariff Policy: The Opposite Approach

President Trump’s tariff policy takes the opposite approach. Massive Liberation Day tariffs roiled markets. The President paused them, then imposed more. The exceptions and exemptions seem to roll out daily. 

There are excellent reasons to impose tariffs. The big strike and chaotic back-and-forth create an impression of incompetence, but everything may work out.

The examples illustrate two approaches to innovation. Tom’s approach was to use small bullets to test the market, so to speak, before dropping the big bomb.

President Trump’s tariff policy drops the big bomb first and adjusts based on the fallout.

Which approach is better for your business?

P.S. Innovation is one of the many topics we can explore on an adventure offsite for your company. These offsites at national parks and historic battlefields open minds and strengthen trust because you are in the fresh air, experiencing awe, and creating shared visual models that propel your business forward.

Sound interesting? Let’s have a strategy call to see if it’s right for you.

About Author

Chris Kolenda

I work with leaders who want to build unshakeable business endurance.

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