GOOD business leaders tend to be born rather than made, and are not always liked but respected for their vision, and they inspire others.

That is according to the entrepreneur Sir Alan Sugar, star of The Apprentice, in a new guide on how to be a success in business.

His first words of wisdom concern managing time. "Always clear your desk every day," he says in the new feature series in a national newspaper. "I never leave any paperwork on my desk at the end of the day because it means a decision is being delayed.

"What irritates me most is when people use the excuse 'I was going to do it tomorrow.' I want an answer now and I want things done now."

Motivation is also high on Mr Sugar's list, as is delegation: "Motivation is about inspiring people, including the people who are remote from the centre of decision making," he added.

"I think its important people who do specific tasks are not left in isolation but understand what they are doing their jobs for.

"The secret of delegation is also key to success and is to make sure you are delegating the right tasks and following them through."

The Apprentice concludes tonight (Wednesday) on BBC2 at 9pm when two contestants fight it out to be offered a £100,000 job with Alan Sugar.