Much is being made about the lack of government experience among several of  Donald Trump’s cabinet selections and White House staff.  Ironically, I believe that should be the least of the president-elect’s concerns. In “Donald Trump’s Cabinet Is On Track To Be the Least Experienced in Modern History” (Huffington Post, November 24, 2016),  former Bill Clinton policy advisor William Galston states:

My assumption is that unless people are really stupid, if they want to move an agenda, then they will pick senior deputies who know how to move agendas through the machinery of government.

Galston compares the situation to that of the CEO of a company hiring a chief operating officer and a chief financial officer who are familiar with the “nuts and bolts” of the operation.

What Trump should find more disquieting is their lack of experience with him personally.  Compare the current situation with the past two administrations.  Regardless of what you think of their presidencies, both George W. Bush’s and Barack Obama’s inner circles included individuals with whom they had long-term relationships. For example, Karl Rove became part of Bush’s “entourage” during the 43rd president’s unsuccessful campaign for congressman in 1973.  In other words, by the time Rove joined the Bush White House as senior adviser, he and the president had known each other for 27 years. Likewise, David Axelrod first met Obama in 1992 and served as an unofficial adviser to the future president when he served in the Illinois legislature and as U.S. Senator.  They had a friendship which spanned two decades before Axelrod moved into his West Wing office.

Why is this important?  Think about people you turn to for advice and counsel on critical issues in your life and work.  While there may be dozens of individuals with knowledge and experience, I know my first choice is someone with whom I also have a personal relationship.  Why?  Because that individual is interested in more than just the technical aspects of the issue or problem.  They also take into account the impact of any decision on me.  I know I’m getting great advice when someone says, “There may be a legal justification for this option, but can you live with it?  You need to think about your reputation and values.”

In contrast, Steve Bannon, who will hold the same White House position as Rove and Axelrod, joined the Trump campaign on August 17, 2016.  To wit, by the time Bannon officially becomes a West Wing occupant, he and the president will have had a personal and professional relationship spanning less than six months.  Similarly, Trump and his new chief of staff Reince Prebus lack any previous personal or professional rapport.  Go down the list of appointments to date.  What is the common thread?  Most, if not all, are known, not for their past friendship or association with Trump, but for their position on specific policy issues (e.g., education secretary Betsy DeVos and school choice).

Therefore, if I were the incoming president, here’s what would keep me up at night.  Are my appointees more interested in their own agendas than they are in my success?  Something you don’t have to even consider if your associates are long-time friends as well.

For what it’s worth.
Dr. ESP