In episode seven of Donald Trump’s NBC reality TV show “The Apprentice,” it was down to 12 players. And we saw The Donald shuffle the deck with a corporate reorganization of mixed-sex teams. By the end of the contest, the newly integrated Apex had picked up its second victory in a row by tripling Mosaic’s coyote-ugly performance in a down-and-dirty dog-grooming contest.

Mosaic was led by the well-coifed but weak Wes, while Apex’s project manager, Jennifer, was similarly well groomed but much more self-confident. Fortunately for Mosaic’s Wes, he had a teammate that trumped his own weakness. Overly argumentative lawyer Stacy got the Trump-A-Dump for two reasons. Her constant arguing cost her team time, and she refused to take responsibility for being unable to sell her ideas.

This week’s contest was both a test of the teams’ ability to deal with stinky, biting dogs and a time trial. Both teams had a short leash with only one day to perform. And, once again, the Trump business isn’t much different from all business: the proof is in the profits. At sundown, the winner of this dogfight was whichever team had the most bones in its pocket.

Episode Seven Update

The team challenge was to create a canine-related business (which, as it turns out, is a dog of an assignment). After being staked $1,000 in seed money, the winner would be the team making the largest net profit. The catch for both teams was the short time frame. Speed was of the essence. Apex team leader Jennifer took charge right away, deciding that their business would be to wash dogs in Central Park. Mosaic leader Wes also decided on dog washing, with the marketing twist that 5% of the proceeds would go to charity.

Mosaic started going wrong from the very start, wasting two hours trying to find a charity. By the time they finally settled on a cat shelter, two prime selling hours were gone from their day. To make it worse, young Harvard grad Andy lost the team’s cell phone and some cash, and Stacy delayed the team by unsuccessfully arguing for her doggy-photo idea. This resulted in unproductive chaos and the inability to separate because there would be no communication between the two teams.

Jennifer’s Apex team ultimately triumphed by creating a whole canine grooming product line, washing, toenail clipping, and massage. They also started a second location across Central Park. Apex out-earned Mosaic $307 to $122, and won a meeting with Mayor Bloomberg at Gracie Mansion.

In the boardroom, Mosaic manager Wes brought Stacy and Andy with him. Stacy sealed her own doom by continually pointing fingers at others for her mistakes. Instead of confusion or surprise, it was relief that filled the room when Mr. Trump told her: “You’re fired.”

Episode Seven: Lessons Learned

LESSON ONE In this dog-eat-dog business, it was best to diversify. Apex won by having multiple services and multiple locations. A single service or location was, as they say in the South, “a dog that don’t hunt.” Mosaic thought they could get to the finish line by driving the wrong way down a one-way street. Variety in both the services and locations was essential to reach the largest number of customers.

LESSON TWO True Trumpologists know The Donald believes when time is short and profits must be made, there is no time for arguing. As a lawyer, Stacy’s most prominent skill was arguing about everything, constantly, as her Mosaic teammates discovered to their detriment. Although this is a wonderful craft for the courtroom, her nagging cost the team precious hours, and they lost because of wasted time. Mr. Trump gave Stacy the perfect reward: the Trump-A-Dump.

LESSON THREE When you make mistakes, take responsibility for your actions. By now, we should all know that Trump-Land is the land of accountability. When Stacy was unable to sell her doggy-photo idea to her Mosaic teammates, Mr. Trump’s ice-queen henchperson Carolyn called her a bad salesperson. Mr. Trump made it clear that having an idea isn’t enough … the secret to success is being able to pitch and book your idea and move it into action. Mr. Trump accused Stacy of falling flat and that, joined by her denial and finger-pointing, cost her a one-way trip down the elevator.

In the next episode of “The Apprentice,” expect elevated gender-based tensions within the two teams. And look forward to a difficult firing decision, as the remaining 11 members tighten ranks. Stay tuned.

Mr. Whitehead can be reached at trumponomics@aol.com.