The Apprentice: What I Learned from Episode Four

Dear Mr. Trump:

I want the THANK YOU for telling the fellows to take off their hats inside the building. Your lessons are valid for all walks of life, in and out of business.

Because my son and I and his friends share your show and discuss it the next week, we call you Uncle Donald. Whether we make a million or not, we still pride ourselves on great work ethics and personal success and customer care.

Mr. Quintal, again this week your points are straight business truth. I have watched multiple times every episode since season 1 and it’s enjoyable to see the same no bull that Mr. Trump displays on the show.

When will candidates ever learn,,,, ? You don’t interrupt the boss, and you sure don’t make yourself look like a fool by repeating the same argumentative point over and over. Look how long Marcus lasted, and his team hated him almost from the start. However he knew how to carry himself in the boardroom, he even had Mr. Trump on his side, agreeing to the same point Marisa stated so poorly that her team blindsided her.

What people like Marisa and Michelle should realize is "The Apprentice" will be one of the hardest toughest job applications they ever endure both physically and mentally.

Sincerely

Richard F. Guyon

CEO NEXRUN Technologies Inc.
http://www.nexruntechnologies.com

CTO / SEO SIA Newsletters
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I was surprised Mr. Trump let Heidi off so easily. Sure, Marisa is annoying and there are many reasons to fire her outside of this specific task. In this task she was the only one who was able to forsee the risk of not doing more aggressive marketing. If Marisa was the weakest link why did Heidi put her in charge of marketing? Heidi I think became complacent, over-confident and underestimated her opposition (huge errors in business). To save herself, she made Marisa the scape-goat and I was surprised Mr. Trump didn't see through it. Forget the silly idea of chickens, at least she had an idea. Heidi should have listened and improved on her idea instead of sitting back soaking up her previos glory and putting in a feeble effort as project manager.
Marisa could have made a good case to fire Heidi but failed by pointing to Amy. For that alone she should have been fired along with Heidi who was weak on this task.
I've only ever disagreed with Mr. Trump's decision on about 3 occassions but at least I could follow his logic. This time I felt he should have dug deeper to find the cause and not allowed the team to sway him so easily. It was galringly obvious that Heidi had become complacent. To succeed you can't afford to become lax then blame the only person who saw trouble coming.
Lara van Pletzen

I also thought Surya did a great job by volunteering to join Arrow. And he already had a plan to fix the team but presented in a respectful way. I think he'd make a great "Apprentice"
by
i-sell-homes@msn.com

I liked the fact that Surya debriefed with his new teammates and offered 'suggestions' that he had written down. It definitedly showed a lot of foresight and planning. It was great he did it without being too bossy or with an attitude like 'I'm from the winning team so I'm gonna show you losers what to do'.
I don't think it was Marissa's fault her team lost, but the reason she got fired was because she didn't work well with her teammates. Those type of people usually end up being the scapegoat. Her personality prevented her from implementing her ideas even if they were good!

I believe that there is a time to talk and fight for your job, which may mean Interrupting and a time to be quiet and listen. Ive seen many people interrupt but they also listened to constructive criticism from Mr. Trump and the others. Marisa just didn't want to listen. She said she had many ideas but kept on about the chickens if she would have gone down the list of all of her ideas I think she might have been listened to instead of just annoying everyone. I love watching The Apprentice I feel that I always learn something useful along with being entertained.

Wonderful show last night Mr. Trump. I totally agree with your decision. Right before the teams started selling I said to my husband "the team with the big banner outside with a picture of the food on it is gonna win." And hats off to Aaron for his risk on bulk sales - Kudos! I started crying when Sean announced Arrow as the winner because I was so happy for them. The look on your face was so nice Mr. Trump. You looked surprised but also like you'd like to jump in there and join them. It made me realize how lucky your children are to have you for a father. Thank you also for requesting "hats' off". A true sign of class. Sincereley and May God Bless. Karen From Canada.

Mr. Trump, another great decision on your termination last night. Marisa was very needy. I feel it would have been harder to fire her if she had more marketing ideas instead of just the one. She stands by her decision which is admirable. The courtesy's she lacked could be taught, but at that level in her career should have already been in check.

The better part of the lesson for me with Surya was his focus and action plan of his future team. Here's a person who was planning on the future. He knew the team had a drive to succeed. Who wouldn't after staying in the tent and losing? My hat is off (in your board room) to Surya for stepping up to the plate and taking the challenge. That is in deed a team player who observes and is willing to help a team in need. I wish he was in my organization.

Paul B

I have to agree with what Lara Van Pletzen said. I believe Heidi used Marisa as the escape goat to save herself. Mr.Trump was put in a hard place. Why? Because everyone wanted Marisa to go. No one stood up for her. Yes, she needs to control her interupting, but she was alone and fighting for herself. She did what anyone else would have done. It was a no win situation. The whole team wanted Marisa to go and that alone made the decision. When you loose support from everyone, it doesnt matter if your the best player - when your support is gone, it's over.

I think as fans of the show we see things occur that maybe others in observing roles do not. Personally, I liked Marisa and hated to see her get fired. Yes, at times she interrupted the boss while he was speaking but how often did we see this happen in seasons prior? Her actions illustrated to me she was willing to fight to remain a candidate to become the next apprentice. When Marisa called Heidi, it seemed like Heidi shot down all of Marisa's ideas without ever allowing her team to talk about those ideas and provide feedback. This episode took me back to last season with the 7-Eleven task. Lee, thought outside the box to try and make a bulk sale but unfortunately it didn't pay off for him or his teammates. Arrow won this task because they thought of bulk sales which in my opinion happened to secure the victory for them. Arrow did create more of a spark like Sean stated where as Kinetic didn't. If this was a sales tasks, why wasn't anyone from Kinetic that was in charge of sales fired? rickyl

I agree with You. That's why I respect Mr. Trump, Mr. Lenson, Mr. Sexton(s), Mr. Bilanich, You and others......the hardest assignement is this what You do, here, on Trump University. Helping society flourish:-)

Ina Matijevic***

Difficult and unpleasant tasks are encountered everyday.

It is best to deal with them immediately and not put them off.

You'll not only feel better but all other tasks will seem easier after the worst one is dealt with.

gea

Mr. Trump, Sean and Aaron,

While I agree Marisa was unable to be quiet when that was obviously what the room wanted, I took away the weekness of Heidi as a leader. I saw someone who stayed virtually quiet the entire time and when it came to running the challenge, she failed! She did not manage the process. When assigned to Market a product and given no creative freedom, only failure remains. I agree my Trump with the concept that you advance in a career by takling on tough challenges as did the candidate that switched teams, but I also disagree with the editing of the show that indicated he was the reason they won. They worked as a team and utlized the strengths of the players and took risks. That is running a business and some days it works and others it does not.

Best of luck,

John D.

PS I miss Carolyn and George. They were well rounded business principles and had some real life experience to match against these tasks.

Mr. Trump,

I am not in your league when it comes to hiring the best talent but I would like to better understand your firing Marrissa.

It appears to me that Heidi's team is OK on execution but lacking innovation and needs change. Change agents are not the most cooperative people, they generally have the mindset of entrepeneurs and are easy to spot other's problems and not easily recognize their own.

The fundamental job of leaders is to grow people via coaching. Clearly Heidi is not up to that task. I would also ding Aron for not communicating this during your conference.and raising the issue.

Given what she has displayed, Heidi would fail my requirements for a good leader. She was not willing to address a personnel issue with a clearly talented individual. Instead she worked to remove her from the team.

I would see if she can recognize this shortcoming or remove her from the leadership position for not leading.

Trump's latest episode of the Apprentice was true to itself - challenging, thought provoking and in one particular respect - ground breaking. Whether or not the producers, the director, or even the Donald himself realized it, they came up with a brilliant interlude - but sadly failed to capitalize on the moment and market it to the masses.

Having Andrea Bocelli sing and play on the beach was a great idea. Enjoyed by millions, his voice was truly inspiring and uplifting. It is too bad that it was only two excerpts of the music as I am sure that he must have played more than two, or that would have seemed like teasing rather than tantalizing. But the larger picture here is that through a musical guest, the show was able to add an element missing from previous Apprentice seasons and shows - great musical entertainment.

Offering a variety of different headliner entertainers would help build more of an interest in the show as well as relate more with the show's target demographic(s). This weekly musical implementation would not only make the show more dynamic, but it would also take care of that dead space that always occurs after the task(s) are finished and winners are announced. Filling the space instead with two or three songs from a band or a singer would bring far greater interest in the show. As a prime example, look what it has done for Saturday Night Live. Even though talent has been on and off they still bring the big name groups which help us, the audience, sit through funny or not so funny skits, to see and hear great music.

On one other note, the tent city idea is half baked and should be scrapped. Punishing people with substandard living conditions and forcing them to live outdoors probably is not the message that Trump, as an organization, puts forth in their daily operations, why should it be any different for a televised and chronicled interview.

I agree Marisa basically fired herself. I do believe her team has become a club and will be an interesting back stabbing group very soon.

Taking on difficult tasks are key to "being a leader". Face it, on the average, people "choose" to be average or mediocre. Being the best, in fact the "best of the best" is not for everybody. Along with the higher salary comes the higher level of risk and exposure. People automatically criticize you when taking on a position such as a CEO or president. There are very high expectations of you since you command authority and the responsibility of the future of so many employees. For Surya to take on the "challenge" of a losing team is commendable. But it is more than just the courage or willingness to join them, but to actually come through with the needed execution to turn them around as a winning team. Michelle could take a lesson from Surya.

Question Donald?

What do you think about sexual assault?

Whether in the natural or spiritual?

What do you think the consequences should be and how ministered?

Who do you think should minister the consequences?

If it's spiritual, how do you hold the preditors accountable and administer justice?

Do you think there is any real difference between spiritual (which includes psychological) and physical sexual assault?

I don't.

Is this happening on The Apprentice as well?

If you know this has happened/happening? What' do you do?

How do you handle it? How is the perpetrator (s) brought to justice?

Just a question Donald?

Jerilynn

Donald, have you ever heard of Owl Nite Security or CrossHaven Properties?

There are candidates here who need to be brought down very low. As if the ground beneath them were to disappeared or open up and swallow them. There seems to be no respect. Not for you, the organization, or anything/anyone else involved. Where's the maturity? Why do they insist on flirting with you? Stroking you? This is not their position. It seems to me you've become too familiar. You can lose perspective. I'd be watchful. It's easy for some to do anything and everything to get what they want and forget a code of ethics, morality, intefgrity, character. Donald, you have women there I would not want anywhere near me. Ever! The men, I'm still looking at. But it definitly is sad. I did think Surya had potential. I'm not so sure anymore. It's a sad situation. The pickings must be pretty scarce or the qualifying criteria needs revamping. Or maybe the personel of the selection process eliminated and placed in the hands of a professional. Maybe you need applicants with a few more miles on them. A bit older, more experienced and mature. Ones that would not want to consistently sit in your lap or stroke you. Body language is all over the place.A misplaced sensuality which is something you don't necessarily need right now. You run an organization not a day care. How can you run an organization when you have children that need to be babysat. Donald, where's the honesty. I trust you to make the right decision. The right corse of action. You 're a man of integrity, character, honesty and loyalty. Not all see that and that's not your problem. I hate ulterior motives. I hate deception. It brings out the darkness in me. I have a tendancy to want to squash it with vengence. Without mercy. In the past if I had had those in my presence I would probably have slammed the door behind them. Never to see them again and moved on. Where is the respect? They are like children who need their toys taken away and sat in a corner facing the wall. Like giving one spiritual authority only to have it misused. As if standing in a pulpit. It can be a very dangerous game and they are not experienced enough to come out on top or even underneath for that matter. They must remember the world is watching. The whole world. Not just their little corner. You're a brilliant man that runs a large organization with great influence. Who's reputation needs to be upheld and enhanced WORLDWIDE. You're a man who is KNOWN worldwide. You need to make sure you end up where you need to be and to do that with the utmost effectiveness you need a top notch organization behind you. No babies! The WORLD is watching. To me, it seems, they have/are doing things which are inexcusable (non repairable) to you and to others. I'd rethink this process completely if I were you. I think I'd get rid of a few of them. There are some boundries that seem to have been/being overstepped. If you understand me. Donald, you're a dear man and I love you.
Jerilynn

It is obvious, to the viewing audience, that the blame for Kinetic's failure lay squarly on Heidi's doorstep. Everybody used Marisa as a scapegoat because they knew Mr. Trump would not fire the supposedly sacrosant Prime Ministress "Heidi". I would lay 100 to 1 that Heidi wins this competition, when you are the bosses (and producers') favorite, you can do no wrong. Everybody else is there just for show. If I were in this competition, I would do everything I could to melt Heidi's snow job and expose her for the loser she really is. She did not win the first two tasks, the other team lost. She lucked out on the first, the second was lost by that guy with pink drawers. If I had been in that board room, I would have told Trump to fire Heidi and make Marisa PM. But nobody likes Marisa, he whined. So much for the challenge it is to work for somebody you don't like, but have to do what they say anyway because they were appointed boss. Marisa did not get a chance. She was cut off at the knees by that loser Heidi. I predict Heidi will move to the background, for now, and smooth sail through the competition to win.

I absolutely believe that Heidi should have been fired and not Marissa. Marissa was a pain in the neck, and ultimately that is what got her fired. Heidi on the other hand demonstrated poor leadership on this task. Whatever magic she had in the first two task, was lost on this one.

Heidi mishandled Marissa in my opinion. She did not listen to Marissa's ideas and then fired her for not having a marketing plan. I would have respected Heidi more if she had allowed Marissa to implement a marketing strategy that failed. In this case, Marissa was not given any creative license. Would the two chickens on the corner have worked to help their team? I have no idea, but I do know that if the chickens on the corner had been permitted and it failed, then Heidi would have had valid data to support terminating Marissa.

Heidi appeared rigid in her leadership role on this task, and demonstrated zero concern for keeping her team together. This same team worked for her on two previous task. There were no issues prior to this task, at least based on what we saw. I believe Heidi got comfortable in her PM role and thought she was untouchable.

My prediction: Heidi will not be the next Apprentice. She would be a mistake. On the other hand I like Aaron. See my additional comments on my blog site:www.toughquestionsgreatanswers.com