Sir Alan Sugar's apprentices are failing because they don't display leadership potential, argues leadership expert John Fay.

Failure to show leadership potential is turning Sir Alan Sugar off his Apprentice candidates - the hit BBC series has already seen five hopefuls being fired because they lack business credentials.

Sir Alan is a born leader and he expects his many business talents - such as dedication, hard graft and vision - to be emulated in his protégées.

Being a good leader is about having the vision to make a concept a reality and many of the apprentices are lacking this, so are failing at even basic tasks. Leaders must set an example to their team by setting a direction that makes sense for all to follow.

"Managers work to make the visions of leaders a reality. Leaders inspire and guide managers to achieve the tasks they set for them."

Sir Alan is a fantastic leader and a strong manager and the apprentices must make this leap or face being fired. The difference between leaders and managers is key in deciding who will claim first place in this highly competitive contest.

The general day-to-day running of a business may be a suitable challenge for a manager but leadership potential and skills is what will win Sir Alan's eventual favour.

A leader is responsible for developing an organisation and its people to move forward to an even more successful future.

Sir Alan is used to being at the helm of a global, financially high-performing firm and he wants to be able to trust this reputation to his latest recruit.

He needs a winner who is forward-thinking and who can support and bring about positive changes by developing and leading a shared vision for future growth.

A manager may be able to handle routine decisions but these skills are just not enough for firms who want to achieve future progression and greater success.

I believe the skills which differentiate a good manager and a good leader will be the winning combination for one talented apprentice to claim the £100,000 salary on offer.

Managers work to make the visions of leaders a reality. Leaders inspire and guide managers to achieve the tasks they set for them.

Sir Alan has built up a hugely successful business enterprise and needs to believe his business interests will be safe in the hands of one of the apprentices. At this stage in the competition he certainly shouldn't have to spoon-feed apprentices for results.

It is impossible to gauge at this point who will win a career with Sugar but it is crucial the apprentices start proving their leadership potential to set themselves apart from inferior competition.

So far The Apprentice candidates have set up and marketed an ice-cream business, operated a laundry service, ran photography stands at a leading shopping mall, held themed cookery nights at two London venues and launched a fish-selling business.

They have stumbled at simple tasks and this is because the competitive atmosphere is putting strain on the contestants and making them forget about the necessity of showing their teambuilding skills.

Being a successful leader is not - as simple as it may sound - purely about leading a successful ship. It is about nurturing relationships and sharing ideas as a team so everyone is working to the same organisational goal.

A strong leader has a bonded team and reliable support. Sir Alan is not looking for a replacement for himself, he is looking for a team player with leadership, managerial and team abilities. The winning apprentice will be the candidate who can excel in all these individual aspects.

John Fay was awarded an MBE for his work teaching leadership, confidence and citizenship skills to young people during a 10-year period. He is the founder of SFL, a change management, leadership and development company. For more information visit www.sflworld.com