This is a topic close to my own heart, so I wanted to create some debate (if anyone is interested that is!).

A lot of the commentary on this show is rightly focussed on the main characters who become 'project managers' for a team and how they perform.

However I'm constantly looking for the signals that denote where on the sliding scale between leadership and management these people are, and wondering where they need to be for Sir Alan to really like them.

My personal feelings are he is not impressed by 'managers' nor 'leaders' but is looking for a hybrid that can accommodate both responsibilities.

To help explain why I see two points on a scale, I'm stealing the following quote:

"A commonly coined phrase tells us that leadership is doing the right thing and management is doing things right. This illustrates how the two skill sets need to work together. In order to be fully rounded, you must have the ability to manage the day to day tasks and deliver results, while seeing the opportunity for change and the big picture. Demonstrating good leadership skills without the management skills to support it, will leave you with an inability to operationalize your visions. Likewise, being a good manager without good leadership skills will cause continual challenges in motivating your team and producing the results you are trying to manage to. Being able to blend these two styles is truly a unique skill set."

Is there a difference, and what do you think impresses Sir Alan?

I'd encourage you to not just think about the business environment, but all other walks of life (politics, entertainment, arts, world affairs etc.) and what this means to you and your perspective of the show.

Judging from the past two series, I'd say that Sir Alan goes primarily for dull but efficient managers. Simon Ambrose was clearly a favourite of his last year, a likeable all rounder, who got on with people and was reasonably bright. He made a complete Horlicks of the task he led (the shopping channel) yet managed to survive because SAS could see him 'fitting in'. Michelle Dewberry was an even odder choice, to my way of thinking as she seemed far less charismatic and innovative than Ruth Badger, and I thought she had poor judgment. However, she was also inoffensive and a competant man manager. I have not seen any evidence of him choosing talented mavericks or anyone capable of 'thinking outside the box'.

I think siralun is looking for publicity and the apprentices are just a way to get it

I see management as reactive and leadership as proactive

a number of the candidates have clearly been managers, but I can't even think of one that shows real leadership qualities. Possibly Raef at a stretch, but not any of the others.

A leader to me provides vision and formulates a strategy that inspires the workforce to perform to the best of their ability. It's a rare beast indeed that can also manage effectively, which is much more hands-on

I doubt SAS would find anyone with both qualities on a show like this - proved by the fact that a 22 year old can get on it. I've never been to a job interview where they've concentrated on my qualifications, it's all about experience in business

This years candidate is going to be managing Sir Alans 'investment portfolio' so I suspect he will be looking at good analytical skills and decision making amongst other criteria. Based on that Helene, Lucinda and even Sara could be in the frame.

I think he is looking for a replacement Margaret and Nick after all they have a good number of miles on their 'clocks'.

Interesting point you raise there Nick.

According to the definition you quoted I'd say Sir Alan wants people with leadership-skills more than just managers.

He is a shrewd businessman and he admires that quality in others it seems. People who seize the opportunity and do the right thing at the right time, whatever it needs to bring in the money.

Those are also the people who stay in the game until the end, like the Paul Torrisis....

However, when it comes to hiring one, he seems to shirk away from those people. Possibly because there is place for only one leader/shrewd (wo)man?

Hence Simon, not Kristina, Tim and not Saira, Michelle and not Ruth (boy, what a business mistake it was NOT to choose her....).

I suspect he's looking for even more media exposure....