Episode 6

Whether you're talking about a candidate from Apprentice season 1, 2, or 3, we all have one thing in common and that is the "me, me, me, I, I, I" factor. And if anyone from any of the previous casts pleads differently, they're lying through their teeth, I guarantee you! A matter of fact, I can also almost guarantee that none of our former candidates from any season will even bother giving me a hard time about stating that publicly. It's a part of who we are and why we even tried out to be on "The Apprentice." It certainly takes a lot of tenacity, but a heck of a lot more "ego"! As usual, I always call a spade a spade and I'm not afraid to state it now. Hell, what do I have to lose, right?

Point being, Tara my girl, I have to be honest, but your ego is exactly what got the best of you and did you in. This commentary is difficult to write because you were one of my favorites. You're tough, righteous and smart as a whip, but you overlooked one major key factor…the client's needs! You were working for PlayStation, not representing the Harlem community!

It's funny, because a lot of people I've spoken with consider this episode simple and unremarkable, however for those of who watch it for a true business strategy lesson, this one could be the mother ship! "Listen, Listen, Listen!" So much easier said than done -- especially when we are passionate about what we're doing and type A personalities to boot. Our heart is MORE often involved than our HEADS! In this case, Tara, you were a victim of that. You were a strong city girl feeling as though you had to represent, but the bottom line and dollar bill took a back seat to use of judgment. But again, you just didn't want to seem to listen until it was too late and the hole you dug was just too deep to get out of. I noticed you told DT in the boardroom that you can't be expected to think of everything for the team, but the thing is, it's exactly what you did and more than willingly so. As a matter of fact, you wouldn't even let anyone else "think," nor would you "listen" when they tried. Perhaps you were too strong, perhaps advertising wasn't your thing, or better yet perhaps you should just go work for yourself. Whatever the case, you didn't take the time or use the simple business frame of mind to consider the client's needs.

My father used to say, "You already know what you know, so be quiet and listen and you may learn something you didn't know." I almost fell over when Donald said it too, because it's not only true in business, but it's crucial! You don't even have to do what they say, but listen to what they say and why they say it. I can't overstate this. People often ask me what I've learned from the big man and I exclaim (besides self promotion and marketing), "The same lesson my father tried to teach me for years, but I just didn't listen." Big mistake! It was quickly pointed out to me on national television in front of millions. Guess what? I've finally learned! Dad, if you're watching from up above, did you get that?

It's so important. If you ask the very top leaders and CEO's, although brilliant, many will admit, "I may not be the smartest and I don't know everything, but I surround myself with the best there is." Now that takes a whole lot of security and putting aside the ego to admit, but more often than not it's a recipe for great leadership and success.

Like DT always says… "It's not personal, it's business."

That being said, this is one of the greatest lessons in Apprentice history and an easy trap for anyone, whether entry level or CEO, to fall into. This is why top executives go out of their way and spend a lot of money to hire focus groups. They have to "listen" to the needs of their clients and put their own personal feelings aside.

I want to wrap this point up, because I'm dying to move on to Craig and Alex, but one more point. Tana, you're becoming a favorite of mine, a real top-two contender. Take a look at last week's episode as opposed to this one. You were PM and won! But more importantly, you did it by listening to your teammates, not necessarily by claiming you knew everything and it was a brilliant move. Tara, you took everything on, everything! So much so that there was actually nobody else to fire but you, nobody. Matter of fact, I even have to go to bat for Audrey. She did do her job and did tell you about the game, but you didn't listen and went after her as a last feeble attempt to save yourself ~ final result ~ you were fired! Too bad, sorry to see you go, but I have no doubts you're going to be a great success in everything else you do!

Finally, on to Craig and Alex! Well hello gentleman! Nice to finally meet you and welcome you to the game! (Perhaps one day you'll introduce me to your "under the radar player" friend Kendra). Until then, it's been great meeting you in this episode. I know I've been tough on both of you up until now, especially you Alex, but I'll be the first to admit you were both stand-up, intelligent, well-spoken and honest team players this time around. I now firmly believe you have what it takes to make it to the top four. Craig, you were an absolute professional. If you were catty or took the game personally, you could have raked Audrey over the coals in the boardroom, but you didn't. (Correction, mentioning her husband was brutal, but I'll get to that later.) However, you did what had to be done and I respected it. Not to mention stepping up as a real strong player and showing a lot of common sense throughout. You got it. You really got it. Something I haven't seen a lot of until now in this season.

Alex, I've been really rough on you, you "homeboy" you (kidding). But you did an excellent job and nothing short of it! Not for one second did you put your ego or self-importance in front of the bigger picture or more importantly, the client's needs. As you said, what the hell did you know about G-Wheels? Asking people on the street was brilliant and exactly what PlayStation needed you to do. In fact, it's what PlayStation themselves did in the end with their own focus group. Great call.

Sidebar here, how much did we love seeing DT drive through Harlem to take a look at the murals in a black stretch limo with hip-hop music playing in the background? Has he ever shown up to a task before? Had to be Harlem, right? Just when I've seen it all, the big guy steals the show. Absolutely priceless!

(Still laughing ~ sorry). Seriously though, wrapping things up with some final words. Starting not necessarily with the "under the radar players" but instead with the new "backseat drivers awards" that must go to, Chris, Angie, John and Bren. Audrey, whom I've been tough on in the past, actually deserves healing time here. She takes the "underdog" of the week award. That goes to the one who steps up and gets stepped on. Back to Craig mentioning her husband not making as much money as she does had me speechless. Oh my God, the poor guy watching at home. I can't imagine the heat he got from his family and friends, not to mention that night's pillow talk between them (if she wasn't sleeping on the couch by then). But like watching a bad car crash, one just couldn't turn away. Just awful!

Well, you did it again guys, another very entertaining week and congratulations to Magna for a well deserved win!

See you next week!

Your Apprentice Alumna,
Jennifer D. Crisafulli


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