I don't think it was a bad project to set them but the fact that is was down to who spent the least was wrong. What about the quality of the training given? why didn't they combine the spending with feedback results from the 16 delegates? To me that would have made more sense but what do I know...
Awful episode!
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Originally Posted by sarahj1986:
“I don't think it was a bad project to set them but the fact that is was down to who spent the least was wrong. What about the quality of the training given? why didn't they combine the spending with feedback results from the 16 delegates? To me that would have made more sense but what do I know...”
“I don't think it was a bad project to set them but the fact that is was down to who spent the least was wrong. What about the quality of the training given? why didn't they combine the spending with feedback results from the 16 delegates? To me that would have made more sense but what do I know...”
That's what the refunds were supposed to be about - the customer satisfaction element that Sugar talked about in the brief. What was a tad suspicious was that both teams were hit with the same refund - £1250. Surely Evolve were much worse at delivering on the task objectives than Endeavour - they didn't make any credible attempt to deliver on objectives and their theme was 'school' in name only (that, and inedible lunches).
Originally Posted by lammtarra:
“It was dire. Poor implementation followed non-existent planning. The activities were badly run and had little to do with the themes which in turn had nothing to do with the business objectives.”
“It was dire. Poor implementation followed non-existent planning. The activities were badly run and had little to do with the themes which in turn had nothing to do with the business objectives.”
I agree with this. If any of them had experience in working for large companies they would have at some point attended similar events. Even if they haven't, the brief was clear enough. The themes were totally non existent, name only!
This had the potential to be a really well thought out interesting task, I have worked with many many staff (non managerial) who could have executed this better.
Originally Posted by lammtarra:
“It was dire. Poor implementation followed non-existent planning. The activities were badly run and had little to do with the themes which in turn had nothing to do with the business objectives.”
“It was dire. Poor implementation followed non-existent planning. The activities were badly run and had little to do with the themes which in turn had nothing to do with the business objectives.”
Indeed.
Been through 12 years of international corporate ladder climbing stuff and was amazed that they were brainstorming ideas and even researching activities BEFORE even meeting with the clients.
Wrong way around.
I kept turning down the sound for the actual day itself as I found it all toe-curlingly embarrassing.
And Neil Clough as a motivational speaker? That man has the single most over bloated view of his own abilities ever seen. Maybe he thinks he's his namesake, Brian?
Nothing wrong with self confidence / belief but he takes hubris to another level.
And then Karen smiles and assures him that they thought he was 'very, very good'.
No, don't fuel the ego, Karen.
How did ANY of the activities get people to communicate better? The wooden ski exercise involves communication but usually in my experience just ends up with people shouting at each other and everyone falling over. An exercise in listening, reaffirming what people have said, negotiating compromises etc etc , it aint.
And the wine tasting as an exercise in cost management - know what the price of items you buy is - derrrrr
Awful stuff.
Originally Posted by tennisman:
“Indeed.
Been through 12 years of international corporate ladder climbing stuff and was amazed that they were brainstorming ideas and even researching activities BEFORE even meeting with the clients.
Wrong way around.”
“Indeed.
Been through 12 years of international corporate ladder climbing stuff and was amazed that they were brainstorming ideas and even researching activities BEFORE even meeting with the clients.
Wrong way around.”
Absolutely, but I rather suspect they were told they needed to do the brainstorm first before meeting the client so we got to see the usual hare-brained ideas forum that we come to expect.
To be honest, though, it's not hard to guess what the objectives for such an awayday are: team-building and communication skills tend to be high on any such list.
Having been a fan of the Apprentice since the beginning, I have witnessed many a cringeworthy moment, but last night's episode actually made me want to look away from the screen, it was that bad.
I've been on a few of these corporate days out myself but these were just appallingly embarrassing.
To be fair to Leah's team, their approach was at least moderately structured, and I'll even partly forgive the army theme and characters (although Alex was amusing it was way OTT and IMO not suitable for the clientele).
Neil seems to be getting a fair amount of stick and whilst I doubt I'd find his motivational speech anything other than self indulgent and irrelevant clap trap, at least the guy put himself forward and seemed to be in control for most of the task. He deserves credit.
Francesca's team however were just terrible. Abysmal, cringey, shameful, deluded.
I was acutely embarrassed almost from start to finish. For me Rebecca didn't do anything top deserve being fired other than not stick up for herself in the boardroom. Francesca should have gone without a doubt.
I've been on a few of these corporate days out myself but these were just appallingly embarrassing.
To be fair to Leah's team, their approach was at least moderately structured, and I'll even partly forgive the army theme and characters (although Alex was amusing it was way OTT and IMO not suitable for the clientele).
Neil seems to be getting a fair amount of stick and whilst I doubt I'd find his motivational speech anything other than self indulgent and irrelevant clap trap, at least the guy put himself forward and seemed to be in control for most of the task. He deserves credit.
Francesca's team however were just terrible. Abysmal, cringey, shameful, deluded.
I was acutely embarrassed almost from start to finish. For me Rebecca didn't do anything top deserve being fired other than not stick up for herself in the boardroom. Francesca should have gone without a doubt.
I really enjoyed it, sure it wasn't the best episode for business but it was brilliant for entertainment. One of my favourite episodes this series so far 
Originally Posted by Ray_Smith:
“Been watching The Apprentice for years.... I think this week's corporate task was the worst episode yet. The crappy army stuff, the two guys dressed up like players from It's A Knockout. Crappy content. Perhaps the show has run out of steam?”
“Been watching The Apprentice for years.... I think this week's corporate task was the worst episode yet. The crappy army stuff, the two guys dressed up like players from It's A Knockout. Crappy content. Perhaps the show has run out of steam?”
It was awful because the self-obsessed wannabe Apprentices are such a clueless lot.
Personally i think if anyone deserved to be fired it was that bloke with a long fringe and glasses. He looked bored all day and questioned the candidates as to what the point of everything was. Talk about moan about nothing!
It seemed a bit back to front to me. The groups were discussing themes and activities before they had even met the clienelle! Surely its best to know what the people do for a living and what the bosses actually want before organising anything.
I thought it was odd that they blamed rebecca for the motovational speaker. Sugar said theyd have won of they had done the speech the selves! I dont think so. As the guestswere leaving one said that he was the best part of the day and well worth it. Surely if one of them spoke and didnt do well then they would have been asked for a bigger refund.
It seemed a bit back to front to me. The groups were discussing themes and activities before they had even met the clienelle! Surely its best to know what the people do for a living and what the bosses actually want before organising anything.
I thought it was odd that they blamed rebecca for the motovational speaker. Sugar said theyd have won of they had done the speech the selves! I dont think so. As the guestswere leaving one said that he was the best part of the day and well worth it. Surely if one of them spoke and didnt do well then they would have been asked for a bigger refund.
Last nights episode was very poor, possibly the worst i have seen. Shame really, surely they can do better than that.
got to agree with the general consensus in this thread
for people who want to live in that "world" and in some cases have had experience of similar events I thought their ideas were absolutely woeful and if I had been one of the customers I would have wanted more than 25% of my money back
both events were nowhere near fit for purpose and completely missed the briefs they had been given
for people who want to live in that "world" and in some cases have had experience of similar events I thought their ideas were absolutely woeful and if I had been one of the customers I would have wanted more than 25% of my money back
both events were nowhere near fit for purpose and completely missed the briefs they had been given
I actually don't understand how some of these people already have businesses that are allegedly doing well (or at least ok)?
Makes me want to set up my own business as if they can do it, surely I can too!!
Many of these candidates-
- don't know how to deal with speaking to groups,
- can't seem to work effectively as a team,
- struggle with basic maths,
- have poor time management is shocking
-Struggle to identify a cow from a horse or a carrot from a cauliflower (what I like to call TOWIE levels of stupidity).
We've had cringe-worthy moments before but the shambles of Francesca's team in front of other professionals was the creme de la creme for me.
For me, the most credible candidates by far are Myles and Neil.
Those two, I'd personally hire in an instant, the rest, not a chance- some wouldn't get past interview stage one.I'm not even joking.
(NB I'm no Lord Sugar of course and I doubt they'd want to work for me but you get what I mean..!)
Makes me want to set up my own business as if they can do it, surely I can too!!
Many of these candidates-
- don't know how to deal with speaking to groups,
- can't seem to work effectively as a team,
- struggle with basic maths,
- have poor time management is shocking
-Struggle to identify a cow from a horse or a carrot from a cauliflower (what I like to call TOWIE levels of stupidity).
We've had cringe-worthy moments before but the shambles of Francesca's team in front of other professionals was the creme de la creme for me.
For me, the most credible candidates by far are Myles and Neil.
Those two, I'd personally hire in an instant, the rest, not a chance- some wouldn't get past interview stage one.I'm not even joking.
(NB I'm no Lord Sugar of course and I doubt they'd want to work for me but you get what I mean..!)
Originally Posted by AOTB:
“I actually don't understand how some of these people already have businesses that are allegedly doing well (or at least ok)?
Makes me want to set up my own business as if they can do it, surely I can too!!
Many of these candidates don't know how to deal with speaking to groups, or work effectively as a team, how to do simple maths, their time management is shocking, heck, some even struggle to identify a cow from a horse or a carrot from a cauliflower (what I like to call TOWIE levels of stupidity).
We've had cringe-worthy moments before but the shambles of Francesca's team in front of other professionals was the creme de la creme.
For me, the most credible candidates by far are Myles and Neil.
Those two, I'd personally hire in an instant, the rest, not a chance- some wouldn't get past interview stage one.I'm not even joking.
(NB I'm no Lord Sugar of course and I doubt they'd want to work for me but you get what I mean..!)”
“I actually don't understand how some of these people already have businesses that are allegedly doing well (or at least ok)?
Makes me want to set up my own business as if they can do it, surely I can too!!
Many of these candidates don't know how to deal with speaking to groups, or work effectively as a team, how to do simple maths, their time management is shocking, heck, some even struggle to identify a cow from a horse or a carrot from a cauliflower (what I like to call TOWIE levels of stupidity).
We've had cringe-worthy moments before but the shambles of Francesca's team in front of other professionals was the creme de la creme.
For me, the most credible candidates by far are Myles and Neil.
Those two, I'd personally hire in an instant, the rest, not a chance- some wouldn't get past interview stage one.I'm not even joking.
(NB I'm no Lord Sugar of course and I doubt they'd want to work for me but you get what I mean..!)”
thought that sort of thing about most years tbh , but this year does seem especially bad
makes you wonder just how much of being "successful" in business is all about blagging and hoping you get away with it , because that appears to be the main strength of the majority of them
Originally Posted by mimik1uk:
“thought that sort of thing about most years tbh , but this year does seem especially bad
makes you wonder just how much of being "successful" in business is all about blagging and hoping you get away with it , because that appears to be the main strength of the majority of them”
“thought that sort of thing about most years tbh , but this year does seem especially bad
makes you wonder just how much of being "successful" in business is all about blagging and hoping you get away with it , because that appears to be the main strength of the majority of them”
Some of it is probably down to a harsher edit too. And it's funny how they all seem to boast about how successful they are, whereas the reality is often quite different (not always, but often). Anyone can say they run three successful businesses or that they are an award-winning something or whatever else - but how much of it is actually true and how much of it is embellished (or even a downright lie, ahem, Lee McQueen)?
yeah i know , its just every year they seem totally oblivious to a lot of what you would think are basic principles of project management
This series has been getting progressively worse! We started off well, having some real characters coming out. Every single woman looked like a strong contender but now none of them speak! Leah and Luisa are the only ones doing anything! Fran, Rebecca, Sophie, Uzma, Natalie all started off with so much potential, but that all just fizzled away! Leah is beginning to as well!
I hope this isn't like last year (when we only had Nash - that too - over Gabrielle). The girls are hopeless AGAIN this year. I'm still waiting for a wow moment from one of the girls! Leah/Luisa may be able to do that!
I hope this isn't like last year (when we only had Nash - that too - over Gabrielle). The girls are hopeless AGAIN this year. I'm still waiting for a wow moment from one of the girls! Leah/Luisa may be able to do that!
I LOVE the catfight between Fran and Luisa. The build-up has been there for a couple of weeks and it seems like there's more to come.
Yeh the task per se was cringeworthy but the boardroom saved it.
Yeh the task per se was cringeworthy but the boardroom saved it.
what really annoyed me about the task was just how badly they failed to pay attention to the brief. the event was meant to be about promoting communication and team work and they are obviously incapable of doing either of those things themselves so how can they encourage that successfully in others
there are so many basic concepts they could have used to promote communication and team working instead of ridiculous things like wine tasting and archery
there are so many basic concepts they could have used to promote communication and team working instead of ridiculous things like wine tasting and archery
Originally Posted by mimik1uk:
“what really annoyed me about the task was just how badly they failed to pay attention to the brief. the event was meant to be about promoting communication and team work and they are obviously incapable of doing either of those things themselves so how can they encourage that successfully in others
”
“what really annoyed me about the task was just how badly they failed to pay attention to the brief. the event was meant to be about promoting communication and team work and they are obviously incapable of doing either of those things themselves so how can they encourage that successfully in others
”
Completely agree. I think this is what made it partly so cringeworthy for me.
Clearly the candidates were under-qualified to deliver these objectives to middle management types.
I actually think Leah's team did 'ok' at times at this (Neil was pretty damned good overall IMO) but Francesca was like a fish out of water and talked to them like she might if the task was chatting to a bunch of primary school kids.
Embarrassingly bad.
Originally Posted by AOTB:
“Completely agree. I think this is what made it partly so cringeworthy for me.
Clearly the candidates were under-qualified to deliver these objectives to middle management types.
I actually think Leah's team did 'ok' at times at this (Neil was pretty damned good overall IMO) but Francesca was like a fish out of water and talked to them like she might if the task was chatting to a bunch of primary school kids.
Embarrassingly bad.”
“Completely agree. I think this is what made it partly so cringeworthy for me.
Clearly the candidates were under-qualified to deliver these objectives to middle management types.
I actually think Leah's team did 'ok' at times at this (Neil was pretty damned good overall IMO) but Francesca was like a fish out of water and talked to them like she might if the task was chatting to a bunch of primary school kids.
Embarrassingly bad.”
yeah as I said in another thread I am maybe being too harsh on them as this task as something I have a lot of experience of
but a few of them did say they had attended events of this nature before and Francesca has supposed run similar types of events, or at least been part of similar events, in the past so not like they were all going into it completely cold
Originally Posted by mimik1uk:
“but a few of them did say they had attended events of this nature before and Francesca has supposed run similar types of events, or at least been part of similar events, in the past so not like they were all going into it completely cold”
“but a few of them did say they had attended events of this nature before and Francesca has supposed run similar types of events, or at least been part of similar events, in the past so not like they were all going into it completely cold”
I completely agree they should have had a better idea what to expect from an event like this, but that wouldn't necessarily have helped them deliver it effectively. I watch a lot of football and know exactly what I need to do to score a goal - sadly I'm still crap at it, though!
as I've said I am maybe being overly critical because it is something I do know a lot about
they were just so poor tho I thought
they were just so poor tho I thought
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