Business sense but no common sense

Apr 3 2009 by Alan Shaw

IN THESE troubled economic times, you would think the last thing we would want to watch on television would be a programme about wannabe boardroom executives.

A programme which, while many people struggle to find a job, quite openly publicises that someone will be awarded a position with a six-figure salary.

Yet the fifth series of The Apprentice is back on our screens and seems as popular as ever. I’ve never really been much of a follower until now, as the idea of Big Brother in suits didn’t really appeal to me.

Since the business world has come under a lot of scrutiny lately, I decided to tune in to see if it was anything like real life.

A worrying thought if it is, because one thing I’ve realised is that although contestants on the programme are constantly trying to outdo each other and impress Sir Alan with their business skills, they all seem to have one thing in common – they were born without a common sense gene.

That’s shown up in the tasks they are set. Washing a car with the doors open? I don’t claim to be an entrepreneur, but when I was at school I used to wash the neighbours’ cars for a couple of quid and always made sure the doors were firmly closed before turning on the water.

I’m not suggesting any of them are stupid of course, just that it would seem that the chance for personal gain pushes all other qualities out the window.

Hammed up entertainment for midweek television – or a true reflection of what goes on in the big boardrooms up and down the country?

At least there’s one thing the television programme gives us that we can be thankful for – Sir Alan as he roars “you’re fired” to the worst offenders.

Remember to visit www.westfm.co.uk to find out the latest on the Cash for Kids Easter Egg Appeal. You’ve still got time to make a donation of a chocolatey treat for underprivileged children in Ayrshire, find details of the collection points online.

Also on the website, get the latest info on the Homecoming Festival – it will be taking place on the May 2 and 3 at Irvine Bay, and we’ve got full line-up and ticket details online too.

I’ll talk to you Monday to Friday from 6am on 96.7 West FM’s Breakfast Show.