As another series of the hit BBC series ‘The Apprentice’ airs again, the business community wrings its hands and examines its navel attempting to decide whether ‘it’s a good thing’ or ‘simply entertainment’. Well the truth it, that it’s both…!! The hopefuls gain valuable TV exposure but risk humiliation and obscurity but can gain new careers and opportunities. The tasks and challenges are fairly formulaic, but are rich picking for trainers looking for new ideas. The TV networks parade before us the usual blend of the hungry, histrionic and hysterical which is the bedrock of reality TV, however, valuable lessons can be learned watching the interplay, positioning and strategies at play both within the tasks as well as in the wider group. In the real world, you can find varieties of all the personalities and there may be tips and techniques you can pick up in thinking through how you would manage tasks as well as how to lead the individuals and teams. Anecdotal evidence now exists that companies are also including some of the tasks in recruitment and development assessment centers – so watch and get yourself ‘in the one’ if you are contemplating a promotion – it may prove invaluable..! All in all, just sit back and enjoy the ride and tell yourself it may just come in handy…!
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