The Apprentice Analysed

“It’s the old, old story: everybody talks over everybody else, it takes ages to get to some sort of concise conclusion to the whole debate and the consequence of that is they start late.  If you start late you’ve got less time to do it, you make less money and you get a spanking in the boardroom”.

These are the wise words of Sir Alan’s trusted and sardonic aide, Nick Hewer. But why is this the “old, old story”?  The clue is in the commentary.  The teams had been created and they were despatched in their people carriers to their destinations.  The narrator drily observed,“just time to turn themselves from project strangers to close knit teams”. The point is of course there was never enough time to do that. 

There are five stages of team development – Orientation, Conflict, Structure, Work and Dissolution, more popularly described as Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing and Adjourning.  The two teams didn’t get beyond the storming stage (i.e. criticisms, hostility, challenging the leader) and as a result we should not be surprised both teams performed so badly.

We should see improved team performance as time goes on because they will know each other’s strengths, weaknesses and motivators better. In short, it is the “old, old story” not just because of individual failings but also due to the way the teams are established.

The blog on the second programme will be written by my colleague Nic Sale.  I am off to America for a conference so don’t believe anyone who tells you I have been fired!

Professor Binna Kandola OBE
Pearn Kandola

Another Apprentice staple for the second week - contract catering.

Sir Alan challenges the candidates to set up a catering service for busy professionals in the City of London.

The teams must agree on a distinctive identity to stand out from the competition and win new customers - the boys put togas on while the ladies choose to dress up as chefs.

They have to pitch for lunchtime business in top city firms and create appetising canapés for a prestigious  reception.

As well as sourcing the ingredients, the teams must make, deliver and serve all the food themselves. Ben Clarke is pictured in full Roman garb.

NotSirAlanSugar (follow him on Twitter if you're not already) has heard that it is the boys this week who struggle to maintain their composure. I wonder if it has anything to do with Rocky Andrews' sandwich catering experience...

9pm, BBC1 tomorrow.

@NotSirAlanSugar is particularly annoyed that he can't embed video here.

Any of you who've never seen previous episodes of BolegBros' Apprentice's animation are in for real treat Better than the real thing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWHpgaM8it0

The best bits? Margaret saying "Whatever" and Nick swinging in his chair.

First show, first firing, first mistake.  Anita Shah, one of my pre-series predictions for an early exit, was unfortunate to be dismissed.  Senior sales consultant Debra Barr should have been given the chop.

The first one to depart is doubly unfortunate: not only is their time on the programme curtailed rapidly, but they don’t get the chance to show their resilience, ability to recover and to learn, all of which are relevant to assessing someone’s potential.

No-one excelled at the cleaning challenge they were set, but the two project leaders, retail business manager Howard Ebison and senior financial manager Mona Lewis, do come out just ahead in our league table.  Both took responsibility for leading, which is a risky decision in the first programme.  Neither showed they were great thinkers but they were prepared to get the task done and Lewis at least showed some understanding of what had gone wrong in her team. 

Barr on the other hand seems to be an independent operator who may find team working difficult.  She lacked conscientiousness and care over getting details right.  Faced with pressure she quickly became very critical of others rather than trying to find solutions.  Both her and Lewis become limited and blinkered in their thinking when under pressure and as a result they may lose sight of the other options  available to them.

Shah made one mistake, not setting a budget, which she was hammered for.  Her performance in the boardroom however- accepting her faults, willingness to learn – showed that she had more potential than the others. 

As for the boys’ team, Estate agent Phil Taylor causes the greatest concern.  This was a group of people who had only just met and yet he ignored all social conventions, as well as team ones, by criticising his project manager strongly and then creating his own sub group within the team.

His criticisms were made behind the project manager’s back however, never to his face.    I expect him to be expedient in his decision making.  Whilst he is blunt and judgemental when evaluating others, it is likely that he could be sensitive to any criticism.

The group clearly trusted Howard to run the task more than Phillip, which may have been the spark igniting his strong antipathy towards the project manager.  I expect Phillip to display energy, vigour and passion and at times he could inspire others.  However, he is the one who could most undermine any team and himself by a rash decision.

Licensing development manager Kate Walsh could do well if she takes more responsibility.  On this showing she may need to realise that being critical, particularly behind someone’s back and after the event, is not the same as being clever.

A couple of other people worth mentioning and watching:

• Majid Nagra – a consensual figure, someone who could bring a team together.  He needs to cut out the sexist jokes though
• Restaurateur Yasmina Siadatan– appears, on the evidence so far, to be a clear thinker.

Shah was chosen over Barr because of Sir Alan’s bias: he doesn’t like people with job titles like “Business Strategist”.  This was a barrier she could only overcome by being considerably better than the rest, and unfortunately for her, she wasn’t.

Professor Binna Kandola OBE
Pearn Kandola

 Sir Alan Sugar has given an in-depth interview to the This Is Money in which he admits to being perfect.

'Yeah. I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.'

Asked whether the grasping, materialistic nature of the programme is out of touch with the economic situation. Sir Alan, disagrees:

'We reflect the current times. Plus we get better at developing the tasks and we don't get any dross coming into the boardroom like we used to. They are a very bright bunch this time.

The Apprentice starts tonight at 9pm

The new series of the Apprentice may yet to have begun, but already news site and blogs are full of gossip around the show.

North Yorkshire whizz-kid Rocky Andrews is favourite according to his local paper... while the carefully selected prospective proteges may be in need of some capability reviews when it comes to their grasp of business jargon. The jargon in question: "loss leader". According to the Mirror:

Neither Lorraine Tighe, 36, nor Majid Nagra, 28, had a clue about it, while Mona Lewis, 28, guessed: "Is it someone who leads something to a loss?"

Meanwhile the BBC has released pictures of this year's Apprentice house, strike that - penthouse. This of course is the humble abode the candidates during the series... (Photos : BBC)

Let's hope the substance lives up to the style.

If pictures of an empty house don't get you excited perhaps a serious Telegraph interview with Nick Hewer of Nick and Margaret fame...

The new run features a wealth of “classic cock-ups”, he says, with the air of a long-suffering but stoical parent. One team shows “an absolute misunderstanding of one of the bases of business.

Rob Moss,
online editor

Only two days until we start and the popular press is already gossiping about a romance between two of the contestants. More of that later, with one our frequent round-ups of what others are saying. First though, let meet the boys. First up, Ben Clarke. He's inspired by a porn magnate - classy!

Ben Clarke
Age: 22
Career: Trainee Stockbroker
Qualifications: BA (Hons) Economics & Business

Belfast born and bred Ben, is the rebellious stockbroker who considers himself to be ruthless and money-obsessed.  The  Gavin Henson lookalike is inspired by the Playboy brand and cites Hugh Heffner as one of his most admired business figures.  Rugby playing Ben admits to being ‘cocky’ but insists that he takes business very seriously.  He is a young professional with what he describes as a raw hunger to make as much money as possible.

“To me making money is better than sex.”

Howard Ebison
Age: 24
Career: Retail Business Manager
Qualifications: CIMA Part-qualified accountant, BSc (Hons) Maths and Business Studies

Born in Surrey, Howard is an enthusiastic businessman who thrives in managerial positions.  Howard, an award winning dancer, self-trained musician and area manager to 10 pubs, believes that people enjoy working for him.  Howard whose teenage jobs included a paper round (he got sacked from) and a fish and chip shop shift he despised, now describes himself as family-orientated yet equally ambitious within his career.   He hopes to one day set up his own consultancy specialising in customer service.

“I am a credible businessman who wants to go far. I’m incredibly ambitious. If I don’t go down this route I shall go far down another route.”

James McQuillan
Age: 32
Career: Senior Commercial Manager
Qualifications: MA Hons in Economics

Family man James describes himself as a ‘schmoozer’ who people feel comfortable around.  Football referee, sports fanatic and former child chess champion James is inspired by people with passion and cites the likes of Al Pacino and JK Rowling as his inspirational figures.  James who claims to suffer from ‘foot in mouth syndrome’ has worked as a labourer, trolley collector and a nightclub doorman before finding his niche in commercial management.  He describes himself as likeable and selfless and would love to have been the brains behind The A-Team.

“I’m astute and shrewd and smart… maybe blunt at times.”

Majid Nagra
Age: 28
Career: Business Development Manager
Qualifications: BSc Computer Science

Reformed rebel Maj sees himself as loyal with the belief that business is the backbone to the world.  Born in Coventry, Maj who describes his attitude as ‘never say die’ was expelled from school for wayward behaviour but having changed his life around now works with youth centres and charities while running his own car hire business.  Describing himself as funny and talkative, Maj says he never shies away from the spotlight.

“I think that business is the backbone to this world, without companies buying and selling there wouldn’t be any economy”

Noorul Choudhury
Age: 33
Career: Science Teacher
Qualifications: GTTP, CIM

Science teacher Noorul hopes to eventually become a property development millionaire.  Fashion-obsessed, he believes that Argos should be banned from selling jewellery and aims to one day start up a men’s tailoring business.  Describing himself as a straight-talking leader, he loves being kept on his feet and confesses to always putting work first.  He believes that business is a cut throat, ‘dog eat dog’ game that you must play to win.

“I have always been ambitious and driven and I’ve got the capabilities to deliver. I am not all talk… I can manage a team of people, total strangers even, because I am feisty and have an attitude”

Phillip Taylor
Age: 29
Career: Estate Agent
Qualifications: NEBS Certificate in Management

Born and raised in County Durham, Phillip who describes himself as ‘confident and charming’ believes he can deal with people on any level.  As a self confessed control-freak he is passionate about all projects he involves himself in and considers himself to be a nice guy who people can relate to.  He believes that you should make friends but make money while doing it.

“Business is the new Rock N Roll and I’m Elvis Presley”

Rocky Andrews
Age: 21
Career: Sandwich Chain Owner
Qualifications: N/A

Rocky is this year’s youngest candidate and already earns more than the salary on offer from Sir Alan.  He left school at 16 to pursue a career in football with Middlesbrough but was soon diagnosed with arthritis making it impossible to continue.  Rocky since decided to start up a sandwich business at the age of 17 which now includes 15 lucrative shops across the North East of England.

“For me business is about hard-work, attention to detail, being willing to make mistakes and learning from these mistakes”

When I saw that one of the candidates for this new series of The Apprentice was a Human Resources Consultant, my first thought was, "She's had it".  It is all to easy to picture the moment when Sir Alan, with brow suitably furrowed and tone highly sceptical, asks Paula Jones, "What exactly does a Human Resource Consultant actually do?" (no you are not meant to join in; we're on her side remember).

This blog is designed to get beneath the surface of these wannabe tycoons, to try and understand them from a psychologist's point of view.

Based on the very limited information we have, I shall take a punt as to who some of the possible winners and losers might be.  To do that though we need to consider what Sir Alan might be looking for.

From humble beginnings, Sir Alan has, through his own endeavours, become a highly successful businessman.  He admires people who can overcome social barriers, who are entrepreneurial and who take risks.  He likes strong-willed, focused, determined people who are able and prepared to learn.  On the evidence we have at the moment, (which let's be honest is flimsy), I would say that the following are in with a decent shout:

Howard Ebison the Retail Business Manager, because of his business background.  He has been working since his teens and has a rebellious streak which Sir Alan might like.  He plays up his family values as well as being ambitious.

Lorraine Tighe, National Accounts Manager is a single parent, has few qualifications but has made a success of herself as she says, "against all the odds". 

Rocky Andrews, Sandwich Chain Owner, the youngest candidate and arguably the most entrepreneurial.

The overly expert and explicitly managerial are destined to exit early.  So it will be goodbye to: Anita Shah, Business Strategist; Kimberly Davis, Marketing Consultant; Noori Choudhury, Science Teacher; and Paula Jones the HR Consultant.

What this proves, if nothing else, is the capacity of human beings to make judgements about other people based on no information whatsoever.  What do you think of the candidates' chances?

Professor Binna Kandola OBE
Pearn Kandola

The Apprentice for real starts next Wednesday so let's begin with a quick look at who's who...

Anita Shah
Age: 35
Career: Business Strategist
Qualifications: LLB in Law & Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice

Cricket fanatic Anita, is a qualified lawyer and self-confessed perfectionist.

Anita, who led a team to win at the Visa Business School in 2008, hope one day to complete a novel and launch a new business providing emotional, psychological and spiritual therapy.

She is inspired by James Caan for believing that you can be successful by investing in relationships and being nice to people rather than being ruthless or devious, Anita considers herself to be a humanitarian with a Bridget Jones alter-ego.

“My CV is strong. I am articulate. I can deal with questions and make impactful statements. Many lawyers can’t. People want to chat with me.”

Debra Barr
Age: 24
Career: Senior Sales Consultant
Qualifications: BA in English Literature

Outspoken sales-woman Debra, was awarded ‘mouth of the year’ at her office Christmas party and confesses to being a bit ‘tenacious’. 

Buckinghamshire-born Debra considers herself to be a direct and driven sales-woman with a passion for business… and a love of horses.

She has had to fight illiteracy in her youth having struggled through her primary school years, when aged ten, she had the reading age of a six-year-old.  Embodying her belief in overcoming objections, Debra went on to study English Literature at university.  Inspired by Bill Gates and Richard Branson she is a go-getter who would rather ask for forgiveness than permission.

“When I set my sights on something I have to make sure I get it. I am very cautious and only let the people that I can trust see the softer side of me.”

Kate Walsh
Age: 27
Career: Licensing Development Manager
Qualifications: BSc in Psychology and Management

Born in Staffordshire, Kate is confident and resilient with what she describes as an ability to develop and sustain business relationships at all levels.

The indie music fan lists cooking, snowboarding and gym workouts as passions she pursues with relentless enthusiasm.

Although she regrets not applying to Oxbridge, Kate who admires the ballsy approach to business of Sex & The City’s Samantha, continues to be a highly motivated and ambitious professional with an educated opinion on most issues.

“My CV speaks for itself. I’ve always excelled academically and I have really achieved within a corporate environment across sales, marketing and a number of different aspects of business.”

Kimberly Davis
Age: 33
Career: Marketing Consultant
Qualifications: BA in Music Management

Born in The Bronx, New-Yorker Kimberly is an accomplished musician and business owner who believes that no dream is too big.

Kimberly’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed at an early age when, aged five, she started her own lemonade and ice tea stand.  She has since gone on to launch highly successful marketing and development businesses.

With an impressive musical history, Kimberley has performed Mozart at Carnegie Hall, danced onstage at Disney World, played flute in Disneyland’s Electric Light Parade, and toured the US East Coast playing violin with the Essex County Chamber Orchestra. A strong believer in Karma, Kimberley insists she has no poker face and lists Tiffany & Co, Chanel and Apple as her most inspiring brands.

“I bring honesty and integrity to the table, I don’t lie, cheat or backstab. I am not the stereotypical New Yorker and it’s a stereotype I’ve faced.”

Lorraine Tighe
Age: 36
Career:  National Accounts Manager
Qualifications: NHC in Business Studies

Mother-of-two, Lorraine was born in London and left school at 16.

Since then she has gone on to be the top sales person in every company she has ever worked for and admires Victoria Beckham for being equally resourceful when doubted for having ‘not much talent’.

The talkative Lorraine who admits to having very little education has endured character-building obstacles and sums up her attitude to business as the ability to drive a dead horse to the winning line.

“I’ve fought against all the odds. I’m a single mum with no education and I’ve had a very hard time. It is tough, but to have the confidence I have I should be very proud of myself.”

Mona Lewis
Age: 28
Career: Senior Financial Manager
Qualifications: A Levels

Born in Karachi, former Tanzanian beauty-queen and stubborn mother-of-one Mona would love to have been the brains behind Tesco.

She sees herself as shrewd and honest in business and believes that personal emotions should never interfere with decision making.

Describing herself as an open-minded decision maker, Mona chose to apply for The Apprentice based on her desire to step out of her comfort zone and change the lives of herself and her son.

“I knew I would be selected, not to sound big-headed… I’ve succeeded in the companies I’ve worked for because I work hard and I’m honest.”

Paula Jones
Age:  29
Career: Human Resource Consultant
Qualifications: Masters Degree in Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management

Fashion conscious Paula is an academic with a love for interior design. 

Born and raised in Walsall,  Paula, a self-confessed scatter brain, admits to liking being liked and shying from conflict, finding that as a result she is often left with issues unresolved.

At the age of 18, as an army cadet, she represented the county at shooting.

“I am the girl with a plan. I have great wit and strength of character, and I am resilient to the core.”

Yasmina Siadatan
Age: 27
Career: Restaurateur
Qualifications: BSc Economic History with Population Studies

Highly ambitious restaurant owner Yasmina was born in Hull and spent time living in Los Angeles and Iran before settling in London.

Yasmina, who first experienced the world of business in her dad’s restaurant, describes herself as dominating yet adaptable and believes that business is about spotting a gap in the market and filling it better than anyone else can.

She admires Richard Branson’s attitude to personal-service and would love to have been the brains behind Microsoft where the right idea at the right time led to riches.

“Business is about a simple formula. Make more than you spend. That’s what I do, I keep business simple and it works, I’m good at it.”

The return of The Apprentice last week for a Comic Relief Special saw the celebrities overshadowed, for very different reasons, by the real business people, Michelle Mone and Gerald Ratner who lead and prop up the table respectively.

The celebrities including Jonathan Ross, Ruby Wax, Carole Voderman, Jack Dee (imaginatively grouped into a Boys Team and a Girls Team), took part in that Apprentice stalwart, Creating and Producing a New Childrens' Toy.

The eye-catching moments may have been Patsy Palmer's row with Michelle Mone and Jonathan Ross's hyperactivity, but for me the most fascinating performance was provided by Gerald Ratner, the former CEO of the jewellery chain Ratners. 

Looking distinctively uncomfortable at being made leader of the Boys Team, his performance lacked energy, focus, direction…  in fact it lacked everything.  At the presentation of their ideas to a group of industry experts he appeared dishevelled and possibly even unshaven (I don't have HD yet), and was as gaffe prone as ever. 

One comment ("this is a sh*t or bust product") even had Jonathan Ross raising his eyebrows, which is quite an achievement.

He appears introverted in nature which makes him awkward in public.  Allied to this though is a desire to be liked and to be part of the in-crowd. But not being naturally affable he sought to draw attention to himself by inappropriately colourful behaviour which he thought, one presumes, would win him favour.

His discomfort and anxiety is allied to his knowledge that we all know how he ruined his business with one injudicious comment.  Does this past shame still weigh him down?  Possibly but that does depend on his level of self-awareness, which appears to be low. 

He may be an entrepreneur but he is not a leader.  His lack of self regulation will mean he could always find himself making mistakes like this.  If he was a genuine candidate he would never be Apprentice material.

Michelle Mone, an Apprentice pundit in previous series, thankfully showed us that some business people know what they are doing. Disciplined, determined and focused, she rose to the challenge well and deservedly takes the lead.

Snapping at her heels though, somewhat surprisingly, is Gok Wan the “fashion guru”.  He took responsibility, was creative and showed all round skills.  A tendency to withdraw and become negative under pressure saw him marked down but he is someone to watch and a real challenger to Michelle.

Jonathan Ross was exactly as he is on TV and radio - noisy, lively, funny, engaging, inventive individual but who sucks up all the air around him.  His overruling of other people, pushing of his own agenda and need for praise all mark him out as a narcissist.  He seems to think it is all about him and he needs to realise that sometimes it is not.

The contenders to be fired are Alan Carr and Ratner.  Carr, whilst funny and engaging at times, is overall a negative influence mainly due to his lack of conscientiousness.  Not only is he not a leader he wouldn't make an effective team player either

Predictions then: Mone or Wan to win; Ratner for the chop.

Professor Binna Kandola OBE
Pearn Kandola