Embracing your Weirdness

So because the normal discussion board where I usually post on this subject is down, I’ll have to think about The Apprentice here instead.

The task this week was relatively straightforward, designed to demonstrate ability to delegate and manage a team with different projects, alongside a fundamental understanding of marketing. In my opinion, the winning team deserved their win, whilst, to be honest, the entire losing team were appalling.

• Paul offered no sense of direction to his team. He got completely immersed in ‘his’ part of the project, and didn’t control what the other team members were doing. And he was so arrogant about ‘the best part of the whole thing’ which in his opinion was (suprisingly!) his part.
• Siara – Was very dominating, always interrupting. Got way too involve in meaningless things like setting up the room, and had the gall to blame the Mac-man (sp?) for the pathetic advertisement he came up with due to lack of direction. She also completely cut out Rachel, and didn’t exactly do the best possible job.
• Rachel – wasted so much time, complained of being ‘tired’, then spent ages cutting and pasting useless ‘ideas’ board that served no purpose other than to make her look like she was doing something. She distanced herself from the team and didn’t really try to get involved. I wasn’t surprised that she got fired, because she made very little contribution to the team.

• Raj – Not really sure because he didn’t seem to be doing anything. In my opinion, he got off very lightly.

• Impact -Zero direction, zero communication, zero commitment. 100% blame. Zero ability to accept responsibility = 100% Failure!

On the other hand, First Forte, maintained good communication, maintained direction, and had a very effective team leader in Miriam. She kept an eye on the major aspects of the project, managed to delegate, and was able to problem solve and think around the problems that arose.

All the team members played their part, and contributed.

The result – a campaign that looked good, and was integrated across the whole ‘campaign’ with a relevant strapline. I was quite impressed.

What is really good is that it demonstrates good and bad behavior qualities and provides a useful look at what is expected of people in the business world. – And I think that is where some of these people have fallen down.

Roll on next Wednesday!