NetWorth Chokes on ‘Wearable Technology’

Americans routinely list public speaking as one of their great fears, higher on the list than spiders, snakes, or death by fire. Most of us are sympathetic to phobias, but not Professor Trump.On last week’s episode of NBC’s “The Apprentice,” Mr. Trump loathed how Apprentice Angie fatally choked on her presentation of a new wearable technology line for American Eagle Outfitters.The two-part task began with the Magna and NetWorth teams getting a $5,000 Visa credit card to buy the newest techno gadgets used by American Eagle’s young customers – iPods, cell phones, Game Boys, laptops – and then design a clothing line that makes it easy to “wear” your electronics.The teams would be judged on the prototype samples and their presentation to the American Eagle executives.Tana led the Magna squad; she masterfully steered Bren, Kendra, and Craig to a clear victory and a personal record of 2-0 as a team leader. NetWorth’s Alex, on the other hand, was saddled both with a one-person disadvantage and two lame teammates: cold-turkey reformed tobacco chewer Chris, and Angie, a lucky survivor of six consecutive losing teams.Magna’s Tana easily navigated the task, starting with a strong theme. She labeled Magna’s line of clothing “Wearable Technology.” To make sure she kept her team in touch with the market, she actively surveyed target customers and created clothing around the identified gadgets.She calmly overcame obstacles, including shoddy workmanship on her screen-printed garments.Then, to seal her victory, she and Bren masterfully presented the products to the apparel executives with confidence.NetWorth was the “Gang Who Couldn’t Sew Straight.” Even though Alex had led teams to victory, his skills were overcome by his teammates’ towering incompetence.Chris, who was responsible for purchasing the electronics, lost the team’s credit card and spent nearly three precious hours recovering the misplaced plastic.Angie, whom Alex tapped to design and present the products, drowned in a sea of tasks: she forgot one of the team’s products at the factory, was late for her presentation, and experienced a painful-to-watch panic in front of the executives.In the board room, Angie got her “You’re Fired!” the old fashioned way – she earned it.Episode 11 Turning PointsMagna entered with three big advantages. First, it had confidence after a strong victory in episode 10’s pizza competition – last week’s leader Bren was exempt from firing. Second, they had four members, all of whom were accustomed to winning, and third, team leader Tana is this season’s coolest character under pressure. She faced this episode’s short deadline with ice water in her veins, which gave her teammates the power to prevail.For NetWorth, Alex displayed an emotional lack of intelligence when he wrote Angie a torturously long “to do” list and then casually watched her drown, along with the team’s chances of victory. Alex’s bad luck continued when frequent-loser Chris rendered himself useless while recovering his team’s lost credit card from Best Buy.In the board room, The Donald even acknowledged that Alex had been strong until he got thrown in with losers like Angie and Chris.Lessons LearnedLESSON ONE In Mr. Trump’s world, presentation is everything. From Mr. Trump’s buildings to his golf courses to his casinos to his clothing, the value is in the show. Despite manufacturing flaws, Magna’s victory was sealed by Tana’s poised presentation. Her strong showing was built on a solid foundation of customer research. When American Eagle executives had questions about which techno toy was most important to today’s youth, Bren had a confident answer – letting them know – without a doubt, it was a cell phone. That rang Magna in as the winners.LESSON TWO In business, being fashionably late doesn’t play. Mr. Trump’s New York City is a place obsessed with speed and punctuality. Magna team leader Tana was prompt and ready. By contrast, NetWorth was not only late for their presentation, but also forgot a key item – a jean jacket. In Donaldland, a half-hour late and an item short equals failure. And as any true Trump-ologist knows, Donald believes that failure is not an option.LESSON THREE Trumpville is no place for chokers. Mr. Trump’s lack of compassion for choking in the clutch is partly due to his obsession with golf, a game that regularly calls for performing under pressure. And he knows that choking has a cash cost as well.Next week, watch for a realignment to get the teams back to even strength.Stay tuned.Mr. Whitehead is a consultant specializing in workstyles and careers. Email your questions and comments to trumponomics@aol.com.

NetWorth Chokes on ‘Wearable Technology’

NetWorth Chokes on ‘Wearable Technology’

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