What Work at Home Moms Can Learn by Watching The
Apprentice
Yes, Im a self-proclaimed addict of The Apprentice. I must
have my weekly dose of The Donald, Caroline, George and some
angst-ridden hopefuls vying for the top spot. My husband
likes to say he doesnt like the show. But puzzlingly, he
always seems to be around when the theme music comes on if
not within those first three distinctive bass notes, then
definitely by the time the OJays are singing.
So just why do I like watching? After all, Im a work at
home mom who was burned by corporate America twice once in
a round of layoffs and again when I created a database my
company was going to pay an outside consultant a nice sum of
money to develop and I got zip for it. Is it that I want to
live vicariously through the contestants? Am I
subconsciously yearning to re-enter the corporate world with
all of its office politics? Do I enjoy watching the
contestants with bad interpersonal skills make horrible
blunders and applauding those who excel due to their talent
and people skills? Or, do I simply like the way Mr. Trump
touts everything he touches as the best? Well, a little of
all those things I guess. But, I mainly like watching it
because it affords an opportunity to learn from others
mistakes – and successes.
The skill set required for a top executive with
Trump-worthy caliber is essentially the same for a work at
home mom that owns her own business. And on top of that,
youve got to be able to apply those skills to your family.
Some examples:
Time management deciding what can be done during the
ever-so-precious nap time
People skills calming a loud child during a business call
that you had to take
Creativity creating a new craft project to occupy your
child during that call
Budgeting not giving in to your childs wishes for
everything he sees in the toy aisle
Conflict Management peeling apart two toddlers fighting
over the same toy
Organization this can be as simple as having a place for
your business papers thats out of the reach
of inquisitive little hands
If only one of these skill sets is lacking, you can risk
being unsuccessful and wind up in your own personal
boardroom, trying to figure out what went wrong. However,
its not too late to try to get your act together. Some
Apprentice contestants who have had their weakness
identified for them (albeit on national television) were
given the opportunity to make necessary changes in their
performance. Perhaps in the end they didnt win the top
spot, but they came out of the experience wiser, and as a
result, better poised for success. Some didnt seem to learn
from their mistakes, as revealed in their cab drive
monologues. Perhaps they still experience a measure of
success, but their inability to identify their weakness will
always limit them.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Ask your husband,
close friends and relatives what they think your strong and
weak points are. Tell them not to be afraid to be honest,
and then dont get upset with them! Thank them for their
honesty. Then, join a local work at home moms network where
you can offer advice in your strong areas and get advice for
the areas where you need it. If there isnt one in your
area, there are many great networks on the Internet just
use a search engine and do a search for the phrase work at
home moms help. Try one or two out. If one doesnt seem to
be a fit for you, try another.
My suggestion for Mr. Trump? Have an episode where the
contestants must create and host a two hour playgroup for
ten children and their moms. Then, have the moms rate the
results. Whichever team gets the highest ratings wins. Now
thats a true test of talent!
Angeline Schell
Small Business Owner & Coach
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