State the Obvious: What I Learned from The Apprentice this Week

Priceline.com task: I understand the show is called The Apprentice and every member from both teams are trying to become Donald's next one. However, what happened to the concept of TEAM work? Personally, I feel you win as a team or you lose as a team. Two members of Kinetic took a tour of the mall and were specifically told about the 50% demographic of hispanics. Realizing this, they should have told Aimee about this then they could have said to her that they would handle the logistics to hire a few spanish speaking people. If they did, they would have been able to capitalize on this market. As far as Arrow is concerned, I'm beginning to like them less each week because they think everything is a big party. Surya stepped up by volunteering to be their project manager. I also noticed how everyone else on Arrow is quick to pass judgement on Surya's performance, but I didn't see anyone else volunteer for PM duties. Surya delegated tasks and held members accountable. Don't they realize this is what's going to happen in the real world. Frankie's out going personality was a plus on this task because he was able to sell to people of all ages....rickyl

Obviously! That's pretty much a no brainer, don't you think?

That was one of the worst perfomances I have yet seen on The Apprentice. But, it wasn't because of the obvious oversite of the Spanish speaking population. It was the lack of team unity on both teams that was very disappointing. Both teams were stabbing each other in the back the whole time, figuring out how to specifically blame the project manager when the team inevitably fails.

Also, one of the things that I noticed when they were in the mall is that it is virtually impossible to give anything away for free in that setting because there is always a catch. When somebody approaches me offering something for free, I immediately look the other way and keep on walking. Don't bother me please. Who wants their time wasted like that?

I didn't like this week at all Mr. Trump. It seemed like you were too busy to be on the show and there was no Carolyn or George there to assist you. Having the Project Manager from the other team in the boardroom when you are firing stinks. And speaking of stinks, get rid of Surya. He is a smart guy but useless in the management capacity. He is not a delegator, he is a yes "boy". You sure blew Aaron out in a hurry. He was a good guy Mr. Trump. That is what I mean when I say you seemed too busy, and lacking good eyes and ears to figure out exactly what was going on. The show this week just seemed very UnTrump like.

The power of stating the obvious is greatly misunderstood. One night in 1982, I was having a conversation with a man. I was telling him that the ordinary everyday person doesn't know anything about a building except the name on it- and if the building was impressive- they knew the name. And it seemed obvious to me, that if he wanted ordinary people to know his name, and he had the power to place his name on an impressive building- that he should put his name on his work. And the truth was that before that conversation- none of his projects carried his name and after that conversation, all of them did. He went from making millions to making billions. Ten years later, I was in my pediatrician's office. We were talking about her being the only pediatrician in town taking HMO patients. She told me that the original reason that she took the business was because she felt that she could help underserved people- but in fact- the business turned out to be profitable and the only drawback was that she worked all the time. I told her the obvious- that if she wanted some free time, then she should tell the other pediatricians in town how well she was doing. Then she asked why she should make all that money for the HMOs- and I told her another obvious fact- that if the HMOs were making money, then she could make money also. Her husband fouind some backers and they started their own HMO which grew very fast. A few years ago, they sold their interest in the company for a billion dollars- which they are using to change the world for the better. All my life, I have always told everyone exactly what I think- have always stated the obvious from my point of view. Obviously, the obvious isn't so obvious- and some people can take that advice and make billions. This has not made me rich, but since I've had the courage to realize that my comments may have shaped billion dollar fortunes- it has given me the courage to always speak out- and this has made all the difference. If you have the power to see the obvious and speak the truth- you can change the world with a few simple statements. If people become famous and make billions- no one will believe you- some will think you are crazy- but own your own truth. It can change the world.

Such a bad performance!
Lack of concentration, inability to see the obvious. Both teams were "playing" the game (or better, were performing at the show), not working at all. They need to work harder and concentrate. To focus on their mission and not on their performance at the boardroom.

Week 6-- "Aimee you're fired" was a no brainer, however she got one thing right: her team did not stand behind her. They were so far behind her, you'd need a Hubble telescope to see them! And yet last week they rallied to save Surya on the opposing team. They should have supported their leader and given her obvious info ( ie Hispanic demographics, interpreters needed. Duh!) because if they would have supported her, their team would have won and no one from Kinetic would have been in the BOARDROOM. Also I am very disappointed in Surya, he was a lousy leader this week, however his team worked hard to win in spite of him. Good for Arrow! Hey! if your leader wins, you win!
i-sell-homes@msn.com
nancychambers@weichert.com

This time both teams were awful I was amazed at the level of childishness and lack of professional attitude. Like noting a blow-up toy was more important to spend team time discussing if it is professional than on paying attention to who are the potential customers and how can we get their attention. If I were Priceline I would not have wanted my name associated with either team. It was obvious the customers of the mall were not exactly swarming to either teams booths. Give aways are nice, but so overdone in the market place and most people do not really believe they will win something for nothing and most are often unsure of giving out personal information. I would not have signed up with either team. As for the mentioning the obvious, so often in meetings I attend I hear someone say "your stating the obvious" as if what was said was of no consequence. What should be obvious is also ignored. Like when asked to describe your customer base and who they are and what they buy and then the product developers go after something completly against that very information. Months later you are in a meeting and the question gets asked, why are sales so bad on this product? Do you dare "state the obvious" again and say because you did not develop product for our customers? Yet, you know if you do not bring it up the same thing will happen over and over again. So be braved and take the hit for the team and open the mouth and say "LISTEN TO US" and go over what is obvious again.

Siusaidh, VA

I live in Los Angeles and have for six years now. It took me less than an hour at any mall in any suburb of LA (and Santa Monica isn't any different, just pricier) to know that the majority of the population of Los Angeles is of the hispanic culture.

I was flabergasted to see that no one on either team picked up on this.

I have been a "The Donald" follower and I think Bill Rancic's biggest cyber stalker (gotta love Bill) for years and the last six season's respectively. I swear, I am truly disappointed in both teams this season.

This is such a marvelous opportunity for these young people, an opportunity I wish I had when I was their age. However, they aren't even showing good common "horse" sense.

Mr. Trump -- you need to split up the teams and make new ones -- maybe then you will have teams that function as teams.

I learned that even the most educated/gifted person doesn't know they start with one strike against them just by being a project manager. Then they miss a golden opportunity to erase that strike with a good solid hit but instead get a second strike by wasting their talk (about him/her self).

At the start of episode 6, Mr Trump had just complimented Surya's team about the previous episode. Here was a perfect (and the safest) chance for Surya to start the new project with a positive comment about the TEAM workers (in front of everyone - this may have even caused MR Trump to pause...) . Instead he chooses to talk about his own goals. This may not be the worst topic to talk about, but certainly not the most valuable for the moment.

All I am saying is: stop - think twice, and then make the most of each opportunity.

Hi Quintal,

I'd like to share my thoughts based on real-life situations concerning the 'speak-up' lessons you have so adeptly listed.

Personally, im a strong backer of vocalizing thoughts concerning situations that you perceive to be non-beneficial to the business. However, the reality is not everyone appreciates the candidness one exhibits by speaking up. Without ignoring the importance of communication mannerisms here, co-workers and even the management most of the time feels offended, and you are labelled as a testy and egotisitc individual.

Nothing comes cheap int his world. Perhaps thats the price one has to pay for standing up to what they believe in.

Regarding comments posted by user89187 on 02/20/2007 11:19 AM
"Obviously! That's pretty much a no brainer, don't you think?"

The whole point is that what seems obvious to you may not be to others at the moment. Common sense isn't as common as its made out to be. Think of the situation as a mirror. If you are too close to it, you can't see the whole picture. If you are lucky, you might see your eyes but completely miss the freckle on your chin. It is definitely smart not to make assumptions.

A common group excercise on perspective is done by having one person hold up his hand. Then, ask a person across the table to describe it. Then have the person holding up his hand describe what he sees. The descriptions are different, but both are correct, and neither is complete. Every person's perspective can contribute to the organization, and sometimes it is the least expected person that saves the moment. I remember working in shipping, catching a typo as I packed the product. This had been proofed at least 4 times before. I saw it with "new eyes"