14 May 2006
Leading psychologistsarns againstugar style of leadership and UK bosses urged not to replicate bullying behaviour.
With more than 3.6m people tuning in to watch the first episode of the new series of The Apprentice on BBC Two, it is evident the British viewing public is fascinated by what goes on behind the closed doors of a UK boardroom. Sir Alan Sugar is undoubtedly a highly successful businessman with a self-made fortune of £790 million, owning £490 million in property and £150 million in personal assets, but is his direct, abrasive manner and bullying tactics in the boardroom actually conducive to effectively motivating his employees?
Professor Graham Jones, a renown psychologist and director of performance development consultancy Lane4 believes not.
"To be a high performer like the contestants on The Apprentice, individuals must be capable of not just managing the pressure of the job but positively thriving on it. Yet that is only possible if businesses have good leaders that encourage and inspire staff to work together successfully as a team, not bully them and ultimately force them to turn against one another. Communication and support every step of the way is key, so that productivity and well-being in the workplace remains consistent.
"Considering 18.9 million days are lost to workplace bullying each year, Sir Alan Sugar would do well to address his leadership style. On top of the threat of costly litigation, it also costs individual companies around 10% of their annual profits.
Despite Sugar's intentions for the first series of The Apprentice to be a master class in business, showcasing the best in entrepreneurial talent, there is a real danger that Sugar's endorsement of this type of behaviour will encourage UK business leaders to follow suit. I would urge that this be seen as the great entertainment that it is, but certainly not a demonstration of effective leadership."
Source: © The Retail Bulletin