The Apprentice - Revisited

No one, including 'Jo' herself, could be more surprised that she wasn't fired last night What a mouth!

Right from the start of the programme she was in there stating the fact 'I'll be team leader for this project.' No consultation, no voting, just self-promotion. I'm all for self-promotion but there's quite an art to it.

It's no good believing in the product, i.e. you, if you can't make others (sell yourself) believe in you also. To be in command of a situation you first have to be in command of yourself. Get it right and you will reap the rewards but get it wrong and you'll be ignored. As a team leader Jo failed on all points. The team were not buying in to what she was trying to sell (herself) and she was decidedly lacking in a key skill - awareness.

Her persona was 'me, me, me.' When thwarted she reacted as a spoilt child, instigating conflict with a conquer/divide strategy within the team. This smacks of, lack of key skills, lack of training, and a 'who shouts loudest wins' attitude that is destructive and unprofessional.

Of course I am 100% sure Alan Sugar is aware of all this. Jo makes good television and I am sure she will not be fired for several episodes yet. But employ her, no Mr Sugar, I don't think so.


Fiona 09/03/06

The Kindness of Strangers

I'm a bit of a traditionalist and so this Sunday where did you find me? At B&Q along with a multitude of like-minded people, hell bent on a spot of DIY. I mean to say, the sun was out, it was quite warm in a wintry sort of way, and at this time of year 'one must keep up the British tradition' of pottering in the garden or catching up on those house repair jobs.

For me this meant buying a garden store. Now I've been hankering after one of those contraptions for a year. You know the type, a green rigid plastic versatile outdoor storage unit. I desperately need one to store all the junk that is cluttering my porch. Ok it is self-assembly flat packed, but I can do that and I've got the very spot in the garden ready, leaves swept away, ground leveled.

Choosing one was easy. I didn't want it too tall or I would have to sit looking at it while I lounge on my B&Q lounger in the summer sun. It would have to be fairly long so it can safely house my B&Q leaf blower. Having chosen the exact one to fit my requirements I called an employee over to help me to the checkout, mainly because I didn't have a trolley! As we walked I suddenly had a panic attack. It was going to be too big to fit in my car boot.

The employee did a grand job of reassuring me that by taking it out of the packaging it would fit in any car just fine. After all, hadn't he recently put one just like this into a mini? His confidence inspired me so we proceeded through the checkout, but then he handed me a pair of scissors, told me to leave the packaging on the trolley in the car park, one of the lads would collect it, and promptly disappeared.

A klaxon should have been ringing in my head. Not being one who is easily put off I studied the car carefully then decided to give it a go, and if I ever see that employee again I shall verbally remove his packaging.

Much as I like the convenience of B&Q I felt their solution was unworkable. £20 to deliver my versatile garden store 1.5 miles is unacceptable. Although standing in the car park I did wonder if I had any alternative. Then I spotted him. A knight in shining armour. Agreed he was not riding a white stallion but driving a flat-bed truck. Nonetheless a true knight.

This total stranger, when approached by a stressed mad woman waving her arms towards piles of polystyrene packaging (now blowing across the car park) and several large green plastic sheets, and waffling on how she hadn't realized that mini cars were bigger than Mercedes, immediately agreed to her request to follow her home and deliver her precious cargo.

As I said, the kindness of strangers - and before you say it I was quite safe putting myself in the hands of this stranger. The hubby was sitting in the car wanting no part of this charade!

Fiona 7/3/06

The Apprentice

Last night I watched the second in the series of Alan Sugar's The Apprentice. Unbelievable! It is hard to accept that some of these 'troopers' are high flyers. Wanabee celebs would seem more fitting. We had anger, frustration, arguments, sulking, not wanting to be part of the team and of course, tears. Now come on, someone who is applying for a job that carries a 6 figure salary crying, for the camera? .... pl e a s e!

I really enjoyed the first series. The original applicants seemed of a higher calibre, despite the young lady who 'mistakenly' took off her skirt to complete a sale. This series feels different. Don't get me wrong I am a fan of Alan Sugar. I like the way he talks about his business. I like the way he talks about his employees, the respect he has for them - honest, intelligent, loyal and committed being some of his favourite words. He is the type of boss that instills loyalty and he is not averse to rewarding the dedication and commitment he expects, and gets, from his employees. His feedback to the apprentices re completed 'tasks' are always interesting and relevant.

However, this second bunch of applicants seem more camera savvy, camera aware. I get the distinct feeling some of them are playing to the crowd. It will be interesting watching how this develops.

Mr Sugar is not one to suffer fools likely I feel, so bring 'em on .....

Fiona 2/3/06

We did it - finally!

We did the deed, yesterday we exchanged contracts on the sale of my house. Never thought it would happen with this flaky buyer, but sign she did - and with a short timescale to completion so I am one happy bunny - and of course I have already spent the money many times over!

Now that my excuse for not knuckling down to some serious writing has gone, well I'd better pull my finger out.

At the moment I am editing my picture book. This book started out as an early reader at 4500 words. However editorial feedback pointed out that the subject matter was possibly to young for that age group, and I had to agree, so now it is edited down (after many tries I might add) and sits comfortably at 800 words.

I am very fond of this story and that is something writers may empathise with. It is difficult not to be precious about ones work. A story can feel like your baby and you have to know when to let go i.e. edit/pare down to the bones, or alter your fantastic story line as it is not right for your chosen reader. But just remember, to learn you need to grow and to grow you have to take or accept the advise of an editor who will definitely be more savvy than you!

So edit, edit, edit is what I have done and it is about ready to send out again - just need to re-read it one more time....

Fiona 1/3/06