Disrespecting Workers Is a Recipe for Failure

In the next-to-last episode of the third season of "The Apprentice," Book Smarts vs. Street Smarts, there were only two women left standing. Kendra, a college-educated realtor, had three wins as a project manager to her credit. Tana, a street-smart cosmetics entrepreneur, had only two wins, but she left two children and a husband at home to chase her dream. Professor Trump treated us to plenty of drama and lessons to take to work while we wait for this week's "Apprentice" crowning.

Both finalists were served up the most complicated event-management challenges of the season. Then, to double their difficulty, each was dealt three fired contestants as teammates and horribly tough event venues.

Kendra's event was the Best Buy Video Game Championship. She was saddled with two major sponsors to keep happy, EA Sports and Sony. And her event location was a two-story mansion that was so dreary it threatened to scare Sony away.

Tana's event was the NYC2012 Athlete's Challenge, a star-studded sports promotion for New York City's Olympic bid. Her nightmare came in the form of dozens of desperately needy celebrities, including teams of Olympic track and field greats, gymnasts, and swimmers, Governor Pataki, and of course Donald Trump himself.

Although some might conclude that Tana's event had a higher degree of difficulty, the two finalists' real problem was in managing their employees. Kendra drew chronically creative Danny, domineering Michael, and beauty queen-turned-lawyer Erin. Tana was paired with bossy Bryan, anger-management victim Chris, and foul-mouthed Kristen.

Tana's team quickly formed a mutual-contempt society, which resulted in myriad missed opportunities, mistrust, and miscommunication. Kendra, by contrast, had her formerly delinquent squad working together with passion and pleasure. By the time the events were over, Kendra was hugging her teammates and crying tears of joy, and Tana was making sure she left the building through a different door.

Episode 17 Turning Points

Kendra nearly lost the contest due to the unhappiness of her clients. First, Best Buy mistakenly met with song-and-dance man Danny, whose excessive creativity nearly made them bolt. Sony's representatives nearly ran as well when they saw their event space. However, Kendra's salvage efforts turned the tide. She wrested Best Buy from Danny and gave its representatives confidence with a guided tour. And Michael went from malcontent to miracle worker, transforming Sony's venue into video-game nirvana. Kendra's laser-like focus on pleasing her sponsors turned the 16-contestant Video Game Championship into a super success.

Tana's turning points came later. First, she failed to proofread the event brochure, in which Kristen published bad news about an athlete. When she eventually found out, Tana had no choice but to throw them in the trash. Second, the team's bratty behavior bested Tana's ability to serve all her needy celebrities. And third, she failed to furnish Mr. Pataki with an American flag during the procession, which cost her points when The Gov complained about it to The Donald.

Lessons Learned

If we could choose everything, we'd all be at the top. True Trumpologists know that leadership is about making lemonade from lemons. Both Tana and Kendra were dealt tough hands - nasty events, dastardly employees, surly sponsors and celebrities. In Trumpland, results come from managing well, no matter what the circumstances.

LESSON ONE Disrespect is a two-way street. Tana called her team "idiots," "dumb and dumber," and "the three stooges." And her employees' contempt for her was just as bad as hers for them. She even mimicked them under her breath and wrung her hands as if she were shaking off cooties from a sick person. Her lack of respect yet willingness to delegate without oversight was a bizarre mix and caused her failure.

LESSON TWO Know your audience. Kendra knew her success was in sponsor satisfaction. She listened to their concerns and set out to go above and beyond their expectations. Tana continued to operate the event based on her needs. She let Mr. Pataki wait in a car for over 30 minutes because the printer hadn't delivered the brochures yet. If she could wait, he could wait. Wrong!

In this week's finale, Book Smarts vs. Street Smarts, we will find out which of the two types of intelligence Mr. Trump likes more. After this episode, Kendra has a clear edge. But wait until we hear from the employees. Stay tuned.

Mr. Whitehead is an expert on work styles and careers. E-mail comments to trumponomics@aol.com.