What will you be doing on Wednesday nights now that another compelling series of ‘The Apprentice’ has come to a nail biting close?

It is amazing how ‘The Apprentice’ has captured the imagination for viewers of all ages. Why is this? Simply because it is a reality show with a difference. Essentially it is a 12 week long interview process which highlights the importance of some of the most important skills and personal qualities to be successful in the workplace, not least team working and presentation skills.  

It also brings out the competitive spirit in us all and the desire to want to see our personal favourite win, probably for exactly the same reasons that we relate to and build relationships with the people we like in our own workplace or network circles. Also, we probably all recognise the people we most like to associate with in the workplace!

Apart from the obvious CV blip, Lee was generally straight as a die and ‘what you see is what you get’! What he lacked in academia was made up for by his unbounding enthusiasm, drive and desire to succeed. We all know people like this and they usually have an edginess that is somehow endearing. It was a close call but in reality it was probably always going to be out of Lee and Claire as to the next ‘Apprentice’.

He was clearly a very poor second best against Claire’s polished presentation style but his determination was infectious he also learnt enough to pull him through at just the right time. By the time they both had to deliver their final summation of why they should be hired, his confidence and personality shone through his delivery was heartfelt, spot on and to the point. Another key quality of being able to deliver when it matters the most.

Helene was only highly memorable for being highly unmemorable and constantly playing the ‘corporate card’. After 12 weeks we never saw her deliver anything worthwhile or show any real leadership qualities, only the ability to blame others, which might be the self preservation lesson the corporate world has taught her! However, if you are to achieve a high profile role, it is ultimately all about delivery, in which case learning to deliver and applying yourself is crucial.

What about Alex? His incessant playing the ‘I’m only 24 card’ just highlighted his lack of maturity and life skills. Nice guy but trying to take credit for the creative design teams idea with the bottle, was probably his undoing as both himself and Helene were devoid of ideas. 

Out of all the contestants, Claire did learn the most. She learnt to keep her mouth shut when her opinion wasn’t required and also, after being given her ‘stay of execution’ previously by a most aggravated Sir Alan Sugar, she learnt to use much neglected management and workplace skills, namely listening and observing. The power of these skills cannot be understated. 

Why did she not become ‘The Apprentice’? – Clearly talented in ways that Lee is not. An excellent presenter but the worrying traits were her obvious ‘vocal capacity’ plus she did not display any real signs of being a team player, especially when she had the opportunity to put herself forward in situations when she could had the expertise that would have added value to the team. This type of behaviour always leaves question marks in people’s minds as to the real agenda. 

Sir Alan had a different dilemma this time round but arguably still went for enthusiasm, creativity, unbounded energy and willingness, albeit sometimes with ‘childish naivety’ and ‘quirkiness’ as last year displayed by Simon. Yet again attitude and attributes won the day over skills.

Great TV but also great learning and lessons in life!