Lessons from the Donald: here are our five favorite business lessons from Donald Trump's hit show, 'The Apprentice.'

Pool & Spa News, June 6, 2005 by Shabnam Mogharabi

When the last episode of "The Apprentice" (Season 3) aired May 19, Donald Trump gave finalist Kendra Todd what will probably be the biggest break of her career.

However, choosing between "book smarts" Kendra and her competitor, "street smarts" Tana Goertz, was not an easy task: Each candidate had intelligence, creativity and leadership skills. More importantly, these two women avoided the common pitfalls that resulted in the words "You're fired!" ringing in their competitors' ears.

In the real business world, it's easy to make mistakes. With that in mind, Pool & Spa News reviewed the episodes in this most recent season of "The Apprentice." Below are what we believe to be the five most common errors made by the contestants. Whether you own a pool-building company, run a retail store or manufacture equipment, understanding these pitfalls may help you work more effectively.

1 Keep your cool.

On countless occasions, outbursts in the boardroom led Trump to say, "I don't like your attitude" and consequently fire the fiery individual. Managing emotions in the workplace can be difficult and stressful--and trying to effectively communicate in that environment further aggravates the situation.

When it comes to business, staying calm and emitting a positive demeanor makes all the difference. For example, contestant Chris Shelton's frequent bursts of aggression and foul language eventually forced Trump to let him go. From the mogul's perspective, a good attitude is admirable, while a poor one simply breeds resentment and ill will.

Still, that doesn't mean you shouldn't defend yourself. In fact, Trump often chided contestants for not speaking up or letting teammates "kill" them with their words. Own your mistakes without regret and, simultaneously, you'll earn respect.

2 Take risks.

Opening a new store, creating an innovative product and launching an aggressive marketing campaign are all risky maneuvers. Yet a certain amount of risk-taking generates buzz. For Trump, who is a self-made millionaire, knowing how and when to take chances is a sign of entrepreneurship. When candidate Bren Olswanger admitted he was still learning to take risks, Trump seized the say, "You're fired!"

To overcome fear of taking chances, start small. Offer a pricing scheme that's a little different from your norm. Or try launching a modest pool ad campaign that utilizes humor instead of promoting family fun. If one route turns out success ful, expand the concept and investment.

3 Think outside the box.

All the training and education in the world won't prepare you for every real-life situation. Sometimes it takes more than a background in marketing to launch a successful campaign.

Enlisting creative marketing tactics and utilizing your resources can take a good idea and make it great. Conduct an informal focus group; speak with potential clients about their challenges; or use gimmicks and giveaways to your advantage.

4 Tackle team problems ASAP.

Dealing with negative teammates is hard for a manager. But having your team's support also can be priceless if you're faced with a difficult situation. Kendra won the final task this season by effectively rallying her team to her side, whereas Tana was unable to address problems with her "employees."

Getting cooperation from your team often involves employing the simple art of listening and responding to concerns. If frustration or animosity get in the way, tackle the issues and move on. Dwelling on problems can further bad situations. Note: When third-season contestant Audrey Evans failed to get on board, Trump quickly fired her.

5 Act like a leader.

Very few individuals are born leaders. It's possible to make yourself stand out in any management environment, though.

First, practice making decisions. All leaders know that at the end of the day, the final call lies with them. Second, don't slack off: Employees appreciate colleagues who work as hard as they do. Apprentice wanna-be Michael Tarshi was fired after appearing lazy and unmotivated in three consecutive tasks.

Finally, when working with customers, it's critical to leave them with a positive, professional impression. Emit confidence during your meetings, and dress the part. Spruce up presentations with props, sounds and PowerPoint slides. Making an effective pitch to co-workers and customers alike often means that they must like your leadership style and aura as much as they like your ideas.