How do some of these people make it so far?

One of the biggest problems with The Apprentice were people staying because they were good for ratings. Several people really didn't do much in several episodes, but sit around in skimpy outfits. Several other people just said stupid things, but were entertaining. Business owners need to make money and want to hire hard workers that can finish the task on time. I didn't always agree with the person that was fired; however, its likely Trump was able to see or his helpers learned information that wasn't given to the viewers. Television networks do a lot of editing, as they want us to continue viewing their shows.

I think how long a person lasts, depends on his/her demeanor and personality. We know some people are cocky, arrogant, spoil, rotten attitude, etc. So, these are the people that viewers love to hate and the ones they really tune in to watch. Producers know this, and I think they keep these people around for the sake of ratings. Remember Danny, Brent, Marcus and some others from seasons past? Notice how different they were from the others? So, again, personalites and other things probably determine how long some of these people are around....

I have to say that of all the factors in Mr. Trump's interview process, the one you bring up about "finding a comfort zone between sticking your neck out and taking risks and also following the leader" seems to be the most reality-based portion of this show. At least in my professional experience, this seems to be my biggest struggle throughout the day. Being a relatively recent graduate into the "real world" I am honestly surprised at how anything ever gets accomplished in corporate America. If I were simply able to do my job, I'd be able to be probably 300-500% more productive. However, trying to figure out the politics and how to play the game seems to take up at least 50% of my time. Trying not to make someone mad (which can happen at the dumbest things...like sitting in the wrong chair at a conference table), then trying to find the most tactful way to fix the situation...it's simply exhuasting! However, to answer your question, for as arbitrary and random as Mr. Trump might have seemed in some of his rash firings, I'd have to say that he's a very good political player. After walking on eggshells and trying to figure out this bizarre ego-focused corporate world, I could usually predict who he would fire and generally agreed with him. I don't think there's an exact science to explain it, but I bet if you think back to your professional experiences, you'll find some stark similarities.