by Kevin Coupe
It isn’t exactly Sir Terry Leahy vs. Donald Trump. But it’s close.
In the UK, the Daily Mail over the weekend reported that the former Tesco CEO criticized the way that the media portrays business, especially in shows like “The Apprentice,” as not reflecting the challenges and opportunities of the real world.
“It's not a good reflection of what's needed for success in business,” Leahy said. “Success in business is about good manners, the ability to work in a team, to motivate others, to give more in than you take out, about integrity...”
According to the story, Leahy “called on businesses to engage with schools and universities to help raise standards and teach youngsters 'emotional intelligence' to use in the workplace. He said he wanted schools to celebrate business and end the growing belief that 'people who go into business and entrepreneurship are selfish people doing it for themselves’.”
Now, the version of “The Apprentice” that Leahy was referring to is not the US edition that features the bombastic real estate executive; he was specifically talking about the UK version, which features Sir Alan Sugar, and which seems to be a little less sensationalistic than the American original.
Still, Leahy was making a good point - and it is about time that someone point out that so-called “reality shows” like “The Apprentice” have very little to do with reality, and often have little to do with the way business is conducted on a day-to-day basis. (Unless you happen to be working for a narcissistic, egomaniacal employer who increasingly seems to fit the description, “big hat, no saddle.”)
Success in business is about good manners, the ability to work in a team, to motivate others, to give more in than you take out, about integrity...
Now there’s an Eye-Opener.
It isn’t exactly Sir Terry Leahy vs. Donald Trump. But it’s close.
In the UK, the Daily Mail over the weekend reported that the former Tesco CEO criticized the way that the media portrays business, especially in shows like “The Apprentice,” as not reflecting the challenges and opportunities of the real world.
“It's not a good reflection of what's needed for success in business,” Leahy said. “Success in business is about good manners, the ability to work in a team, to motivate others, to give more in than you take out, about integrity...”
According to the story, Leahy “called on businesses to engage with schools and universities to help raise standards and teach youngsters 'emotional intelligence' to use in the workplace. He said he wanted schools to celebrate business and end the growing belief that 'people who go into business and entrepreneurship are selfish people doing it for themselves’.”
Now, the version of “The Apprentice” that Leahy was referring to is not the US edition that features the bombastic real estate executive; he was specifically talking about the UK version, which features Sir Alan Sugar, and which seems to be a little less sensationalistic than the American original.
Still, Leahy was making a good point - and it is about time that someone point out that so-called “reality shows” like “The Apprentice” have very little to do with reality, and often have little to do with the way business is conducted on a day-to-day basis. (Unless you happen to be working for a narcissistic, egomaniacal employer who increasingly seems to fit the description, “big hat, no saddle.”)
Success in business is about good manners, the ability to work in a team, to motivate others, to give more in than you take out, about integrity...
Now there’s an Eye-Opener.
- KC's View:
