December 16, 2005
Stuck with Two Stars
We all knew Randal was going to be hired. He's got the educational pedigree, the project manager record, and stood out by returning to the show after attending his grandmother's funeral (I seem to recall that she raised him like a mother), which was a stong indicator of his character. But one of the big reasons that people wanted Randal to win, that even Donald Trump cited, was that he was nice. Randal was able to lead without dividing. He was affable and humble—kind to others. We liked that about him and felt good about him winning, because it feels good to see a nice guy come first.
But were we all duped? At the very moment Randal had the chance to show his most magnanimous side—his most generous spirit—he spun so fast in the other direction that even the live audience was dumbfounded.
Trump asked if Randal would be willing to give the second job to Rebecca—in her own right a hearty competitor who stuck to the process, even with a broken ankle—and he emphatically declined, with no better reason than: there is supposed to be one apprentice.
It was not even a request to share the prize—Rebecca's hiring would have in no way taken anything from Randal's winnings. But somehow, in his mind, giving a hand up to the person in second place wouldn't be right. I would not want to work for a person with that leadership mentality.
Many bloggers agree.
GoreyBoy says:
"It was disappointing to see Randall's [sic] raw and ugly ambition surface."
Vic Holtreman:
Randal stunned everyone (including Trump, I'll wager) when he said instead:"This isn't The Aprentii, it's The Apprentice."
Considering his personality and history to date, I was completely and utterly floored...
Mike Jr.:
Randal has lost major points in my book and I wish I never would've cheered for him.The point of the whole job interview is to look for those 'unforgivable' mistakes. It's a shame that Randal's had to be after he was hired.
I will consider Rebecca the "True Apprentice" and I will forget I ever cheered for Randal.
My response to Donald Trump's boardroom lament that he was "stuck with two stars" is that no, Donald, you aren't. That final test of leadership and character was failed by Randal. Rebecca is the clear winner and the right choice for the job.
~This, my friends, is even bigger than the Kelly Monaco Scandal~
Comments
Randal made the right call. Trump was wrong to put him on the spot. EVERYONE in the competition made it clear that they were there to be the ONE chosen. As well, it was not a draw. Randal WON (he played the game better and had a far superior eductional and professional record)- though I will concede that he is not as pleasing to the eye as Rebecca. He did not tell Trump not to hire Rebecca. He said that on the night, there should be only one winner - and he was the clear winner. Business is business (which is the theme of show)and Rebecca's inclusion would have detracted from his victory. Randall made the right business decision by fully claiming what he had EARNED.
I agree with the post above. If Randal had OK'd Trump's offer to Rebecca, Randal would have just been creating more competition with himself within the Trump organization, as well as cutting his duties in half.
Yeah, it would have been the nice thing to do... and was expected of him, but I'm ok with his decision.
But what if that wasn't aired live with only a small window of time to Hire Randall, ask him if he wanted to hire Rebecca, and then show the credits? With more time to fiddle with the show, I bet they would have done something even more shocking, like hiring Randal, then firing him when he didn't chose to bring Rebecca on board, and hiring Rebecca instead. Who knows... they would have done something different I bet.