I’m not sure if you watch the Apprentice or not, but I happen to be a big fan of the show. It’s one of the few “reality” shows that appeals to me. I won’t bore you with the details if you don’t watch because you probably won’t even get this far into the post.
Last night, one of the early favorites to win fell (Heidi). I was very shocked by this as Heidi probably turned in one of the worst performances of anyone this season after being a consistent high performer. I’m not sure if she just couldn’t work with Frank, or she took forgranted that she’d move on in the competition so she neglected to prepare appropriately. Her board room behavior was non-Heidi like based on what we’ve seen thus far so it’s good to find this out now instead of after the process is over, and The Donald has a bad hire on his hands. That said, I’d hire Heidi not only for her obvious good looks and charm (yes, they do matter in the business world), but she’s got a good head on her shoulders. My only question would be–does she have to work with mostly women to be effective/most comfortable? She was flustered the entire time with Frank, and that is what was so alarming about her behavior. I know men shouldn’t cause a problem for Heidi–she probably has to smack them off of her most of the time, and her fun and upbeat personality should enable her to befriend just about anyone.
As for the four that are left, let’s break them down.
Nicole (8:1 odds)–very attractive girl with a bubbly personality that also seems to generate some good ideas, but she was horrible in last night’s episode to the point I thought Trump should have sent her home as well. Falling asleep during a task?!? Not double checking your presentation to make sure it boots up before hand?!? Fumbling through the presentation as if it were the first time you had ever seen it? All horrible mistakes that would have gotten anyone else fired immediately. For some reason, Trump is really going for the dark hair types this round instead of the blondes. Not that I mind–I’m equal opportunity for good looking women. 😉 Still, Nicole has maturity issues to overcome, longer term, if she is to become the next Apprentice which is why I just don’t see it.
Frank (7:1)–strong player with good street smarts, Frank has earned his way into the Final Four, but this is where his run ends. His roughness around the edges and somewhat lack of attention to details will get him knocked out. I like the guy though and could see hiring him, too.
Stephanie (3:1)–very strong player in this game with the physical features to top it all off. She’s been a very quiet performer for the most part, but she seems to be a very good team player above all. I haven’t seen her lead a lot, but she seems to be able to influence people very well without being loud or overbearing which obviously can carry you just as far. I like her chances if she ends up as one of the final two, and I’d definitely hire her to work for my firm. She’s very mature emotionally or so it seems so she’d get the nod over the other three if it comes down to that. Maybe the defense attorney is coming out in her to where she’s harder to read, but I haven’t seen her get flustered during this process.
James (2:1)–while he’s had his bumps at times in this “interview process,” he’s been a good idea guy who prepares well when it’s crunch time. His positive attitude is contagious, and he’s obviously got some smarts to go with that which are attributes hard to come by in the proper combination. I look for James to be one of the final contestants, and odds on favorite, for Trump to choose from.
Overall, I think this is a good Final Four with some surprises mixed in. I really thought Heidi would be around until the bitter end especially with the way she started off. Perhaps she got worn down, but that’s part of it.
I think last night’s episode further drove home the point of preparation–all three teams had some good things to bring to the mix, but James and Stephanie prepared far more than the other two teams combined, and it showed immediately. A lack of preparation will always show when a little pressure is added.
What are your thoughts? Do you like this bunch? Would you hire them at your firm? What about them would make them good or bad hires?