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Articles by Bob Selden

• What's your new boss like?
  What influences the relationship between the new boss and the group? Do these influences impact the performance of individuals or the entire group?
  Published 23Oct2009, viewed 332 times

• Managers in higher education must harness power, politics
  Competition for resources - internal and external - means power and politics become even greater issues for managers in higher education today.
  Published 18Sep2009, viewed 340 times

• Who is your customer?
  Knowing who its customers are is the foundation for any successful organisation. And as the US Federal Aviation Administration has demonstrated, getting this wrong can be disastrous.
  Published 11Sep2009, viewed 278 times

• 15 years in the making!
  The recession we find ourselves in now was inevitable and it has been brewing for the last 15 years. Why? Because investing has been replaced by short-term trading and the interests of shareholders and staff have been placed above those of other stakeholders
  Published 11Sep2009, viewed 265 times

• 20 is the magic number
  What gets rewarded usually gets done. So, when CEOs earn more than 364 times the pay of the average worker, it's only natural they will focus almost exclusively on short term, bottom-line results. There has to be a better way. So what is the appropriate way to pay a CEO?
  Published 16Aug2009, viewed 273 times

• How to make yourself recession-proof
  Job security is uppermost in many people's minds right now. How do you make sure your job is secure? Perhaps there are no foolproof ways, but there are some safeguards you can take. Bob Selden, author of What To Do When You Become The Boss, suggests how to implement these safeguards.
  Published 26Apr2009, viewed 218 times

• Service is the key to survival in today's climate
  It's been said that your first time customer, even your first time visitor (say to your website) is always the highest cost to you. But it's the repeat customers and visitors that really provide the best returns.
  Published 15Jan2009, viewed 186 times

• Tough times call for tough training
  Training takes time and money - two resources that are in short supply at the moment. Here's a suggestion that may help reduce costs and at the same time, improve the bottom line.
  Published 27Dec2008, viewed 223 times

• Are you controlling the recession, or is it controlling you?
  Are you being negatively impacted by the recession, or are you taking the positives out of the current situation? It may be time to look at how we can improve our "opportunity seeking" antennae.
  Published 24Dec2008, viewed 252 times

• Are you a Leader or Manager?
  Is there a difference between a leader and a manager? Can you be both? Do you need to be both?
  Published 17Dec2008, viewed 172 times

• Are you dead on the job?
  What gets you motivated at work - appreciation, money, responsibility, an interesting job, good colleagues? Does your level of motivation affect others? This article gives some motivational suggestions.
  Published 20Nov2008, viewed 253 times

• Creating an image - Can a speech do it?
  Do you ever have to present to large audiences? What's the message and image you want to convey? Recent research is in line with the US presidential candidates' performances. They give some good clues.
  Published 08Nov2008, viewed 184 times

• Customer Service vs. Customer Satisfaction - What's the Difference?
  When was the last time you received great service? Why was it great? Perhaps this short article will resonate with you. Importantly, it provides some simple clues for developing effective customer service training. Enjoy!
  Published 13Aug2008, viewed 265 times

• Is The World Flat or Round? Decisions for trainers of virtual teams.
  How does the modern organisation cope with the challenge of working across space and time? Many now have matrix structures and internationally based project groups, teams and committees. For trainers working with virtual teams in a matrix structure, despite the improved forms of communication available, there are many challenges. How are they managed?
  Published 12Aug2008, viewed 217 times

• Is business acumen a substitute for leadership?
  If the top of an organisation is full of people with business or technical skills but little grasp of how to manage people, problems can quickly ensue. Because running a business is not just about the balance sheet.
  Published 06Aug2008, viewed 265 times

• The aging workforce - a disappearing asset?
  Organisations throughout the developed world face two key challenges. How do they keep their best, most experienced and knowledgeable people? And how can they make better use of those who are considering retirement?
  Published 03Aug2008, viewed 244 times

• Do you know who are your customers?
  Knowing who its customers are is the foundation for any successful organisation. And as the US Federal Aviation Administration has demonstrated, getting this wrong can be disastrous.
  Published 02Aug2008, viewed 247 times

• Building Relationships - How to increase your power and influence
  How do you "sell" yourself within the organisation? How do you build your image and profile both internally and externally? How do you become someone whom people automatically turn to when they have a real challenge? Bob Selden suggests some answers in this article on developing your power and influence.
  Published 11Jun2008, viewed 255 times

• You've just been snubbed . . . What now?
  We all have those moments or occasions when we feel "down". How do we get out of these troughs and get back on track again? Here's some quick advice on how to work in the three key areas - mind, body and emotion.
  Published 31May2008, viewed 361 times

• Can Emails Improve Your Customer Service And Relationships?
  Good email service becomes more important when the economy takes a dip. Many businesses lament the fact that people tighten their belts and buy less when the economy contracts. Yes, that's true. But they still buy. The real difference is that they probably buy less and from a more select group of suppliers. In times like this, you need to set yourself apart from the pack - why not do it by way of more personal email service?
  Published 24May2008, viewed 242 times

• An open letter to young managers
  Young managers face a challenging time. They have the enthusiasm and motivation, but may be seen by others as lacking experience. How does a new manager overcome this perceived lack of experience?
  Published 23Apr2008, viewed 258 times

• Turning managers into coaches - the challenges!
  As a trainer, turning managers into coaches is a real challenge. We'd probably all like to think that all managers can become coaches ' but can they?
  Published 04Apr2008, viewed 254 times

• Managing the performance of teams. Two critical dimensions.
  Often managers put a lot of effort into teamwork when perhaps it's not necessary. Is there more to teamwork than meets the eye?
  Published 03Apr2008, viewed 350 times

• An ineffective manager can cost the organisation $1 million!
  Training of new managers can be a great boost to organisations who are keen to improve their bottom line. Not only are good managers more productive than their counterparts, but an effective manager who also shows good leadership skills, can have a major impact on both their direct reports and indeed their peers.
  Published 28Mar2008, viewed 301 times

• Corporate Values Provide Strong Foundations for Organisational Effectiveness
  The values an organisation holds and shares with its people can be instilled and reinforced through its management education and development efforts. Does this have an impact on organisational alignment and in particular, managerial decision making? What's the CEOs role?
  Published 26Mar2008, viewed 409 times

• The Secret To Getting Your Team Engaged
  Does getting your team engaged mean asking them to sign a formal document, or have them all stand and sing the company song? Hardly (although I have heard of organisations doing just that). What it does mean is getting your team members on board by being attuned to their values and motives and aligning these with your team direction. How do you do this? This article outlines how you can involve your team in the process of engagement.
  Published 19Mar2008, viewed 309 times

• So, You'd Like To Become A Good Manager
  What do you need to become a good manager? Experience? Qualifications? Expertise? This article offers some practical advice for managers wishing to improve their effectiveness.
  Published 18Mar2008, viewed 1917 times

• One of the best stories ever told
  Here's an opportunity for you to realize true human nature by passing on this well-being story to others. Who knows, maybe the natural order of things will take over?
  Published 09Jan2008, viewed 523 times

• What do you get when you pay people to perform?
  Why do organisations continue to throw money at performance issues? Perhaps if organisations were better managed and led, then there would not be the need to offer people incentives to perform, they might just “do it”.
  Published 05May2007, viewed 402 times

• How To Select Your Boss - - a three pronged selection strategy
  Did you ever find out after starting in a new role that your boss was not all that you thought he or she might be? When applying for a new job, we are (rightly) concerned about putting our best foot forward and making sure that we are selected. Often we neglect the fact that it is a two way street – they select us and we select them. This article provides some sound “boss selection strategies”.
  Published 09Feb2007, viewed 677 times

• Self Management for the New Manager
  Are you a new manager? The new manager’s role is challenging. Suddenly, you have moved from being a technical or professional expert where you knew most of the answers and how to really problem-solve, to being an “expert” people manager. This article suggests some ways to successfully manage the transition.
  Published 19Jan2007, viewed 372 times

• Managing Your Boss: 4 Rules To Live By and 4 Steps To Take
  What’s the number one reason for failure at work? A poor relationship with one’s boss. There are some simple ways that can help build a good relationship. This article sets out 4 steps to take and 4 rules to follow to ensure a good relationship with one’s boss.
  Published 18Jan2007, viewed 777 times

• Where Have All The Honest Managers Gone?
  Is honesty missing from management today? Does honesty have any impact on morale, productivity, employee turnover? Find out the latest research results and how a manager can apply these results on a day to day basis.
  Published 17Jan2007, viewed 365 times

• Is There An Increasing Need For Leadership, Or Is It Just Hype? 5 pointers for potential leaders
  What does leadership mean today? Should it be left to those who have the formal responsibility for leading, or is there a role for everyone? This article suggests some practical ways in which leadership can be developed and implemented on a day to day basis
  Published 19Dec2006, viewed 1368 times

• Coaching; How To Help People Take Commitment For Their Development
  Is there an alternative to telling someone what they should do or know? This article shows how a proven coaching method is implemented.
  Published 04Dec2006, viewed 417 times

• Why Do We Have Conflict At Work? – The Ubiquitous Position Description
  What causes conflict in the workpéace? Personality differences? Cultural differences? Role ambiguity? This article sets out an interesting perspective.
  Published 10Nov2006, viewed 572 times

• How Can You Tell If You Have What It Takes To Be A Leader?
  When does a manager become a “leader”? How do you find out if you are one? This article suggests a strategy for managers who are serious about becoming effective leaders.
  Published 08Oct2006, viewed 448 times

• Is There A Better Way To Give Bad News? A 6 step process
  As managers, we all have to give feedback from time to time that we consider to be “bad news” for the employee. Do you dread the times when you have to do this? Or perhaps, you handle the situation ok, but the employee’s performance does not seem to improve as a result of your counselling”? Article shows 5 steps for improved feedback.
  Published 05Oct2006, viewed 480 times

• How To Select The Right Person For The Job - The three essentials
  One of the most difficult tasks of management is to find the right person for the job. Bob Selden suggests some proven methods for improving your hit rate.
  Published 26Sep2006, viewed 1397 times

• Gaining Commitment Or Compliance From Your Team? Some guidelines for team decision making
  Ever thought about the best way of gaining commitment from your team? Try changing the method of decision making to suit the situation. This article suggests some simple, yet effective steps to take.
  Published 06Jun2006, viewed 419 times

• Leadership – Do We Know What It Is? 4 Pointers To Start You On The Road To Becoming A Leader
  It might be reasonable to assume that leadership can be developed. However, there has been and still is, considerable debate on the issue. Even the experts are divided. This article shows how everyone, irrespective of their position, can develop leadership skills.
  Published 30May2006, viewed 481 times

• Five Of The Worst Mistakes Managers Can Make And How To Avoid Them
  For managers, this article shows how to apply some basic management principles to the day to day management of people to avoid them remembering you as one of their “horror” stories.
  Published 27May2006, viewed 434 times

• Firing Someone – Does it have to be painful, for them and you?
  Ever had to fire someone? How did it go? Chances are, that if you are a manager you will have to fire someone during your career. Bob Selden sets out some points that will help you through the process whilst maintaining the self esteem of the employee.
  Published 22May2006, viewed 417 times

• Managers – Do You Have To Run A Motivational Training Session? - 10 steps to ensure success!
  All managers are not trainers. In fact many have had no training in how to run a training session. Yet, every manager at some stage needs to conduct a motivational training session with his/her team. Bob Selden, who has been a manager and trainer for many years, sets out 10 simple points to help managers make their training sessions motivational.
  Published 03May2006, viewed 523 times

• How Busy Are You? - A Great Tip For Effective Time Management
  Are you “time management obese?” With this one simple tip, Bob Selden suggests how to manage the “comfort food” of time management so that you can achieve your work goals and still enjoy the food!
  Published 25Apr2006, viewed 393 times

• Motivating Others – What’s The Real Answer?
  Whether you are an employer, manager, teacher or parent, we are all at some stage keen to get answers to the age old question of “How to motivate others?” Bob Selden of the National Learning Institute™ suggests some novel responses.
  Published 20Apr2006, viewed 368 times

• How To Select A Consultant - The Three Imperatives
  If you’ve ever been faced with the task of selecting a consultant, or you do so regularly, Bob Selden of the National Learning Institute provides some helpful hints and perhaps some new approaches to selecting the most appropriate consultant.
  Published 13Apr2006, viewed 360 times

• Management Training – Myth, Magic or Mayhem?
  What’s the most successful way to learn about being a good manager? Bob Selden of the National Learning Institute suggests some tips for all aspiring managers and a few pitfalls to avoid in their quest to become better managers.
  Published 08Apr2006, viewed 346 times

• So, You Want To Be A Consultant! 4 Steps To Take On The Pathway To Success.
  If you’ve ever fancied getting into the consultancy profession, Bob Selden, who has been a successful consultant since 1987, suggests four steps to take.
  Published 31Mar2006, viewed 1235 times

• Are You Positive or Negative? Does Your Behaviour Impact Those Around You And Can You Change It?
  Ever wondred why some people seem to be so much more positive than others? Or perhaps, why when you are trying to get someone to do something for you, it has the opposite effect? In this article, Bob Selden suggests it may hsve something to do with your “locus of control”.
  Published 26Mar2006, viewed 434 times

• Email Etiquette – What’s The Missing Link ?
  If you have ever had a negative response to one of your emails that you thought was quite straight forward, then this article is for you. Bob Selden of the National Learning Institute outlines what he believes to be THE Golden Rule for all emails.
  Published 18Mar2006, viewed 364 times

• When is Negotiating Not Negotiating? 4 tips for improved success
  We all encounter many negotiation situations daily. Our problem is that we don't always recognise them as negotiations, nor ourselves as negotiators. As a result, we enter these discussions less prepared than we could be. The result? Sometimes a less-than-successful outcome! This article shows how to understand some of the key principles of negotiating and four steps to implementing these successfully in all your negotiating situations.
  Published 10Mar2006, viewed 363 times

• Meetings–Management Meetings–Why are they a waste of time? The 80/20 rule and 5 steps to success
  Meetings can be a waste of time. Find out how to make better use of your time as a participant or manager of meetings. The 80/20 rule is described to great effect with five helpful tips for designing and running more effective and rewarding meetings.
  Published 07Mar2006, viewed 390 times

• Who’s Got The Monkey Now? Part 2: How To Make Delegation Work For You
  Less successful managers often refuse to delegate for fear of failure by their people, no time to train their people, or a lack of experienced staff. This article shows how successful managers quickly develop the initiative within their people to become real problem solvers and take action.
  Published 24Feb2006, viewed 355 times

• Who’s Got The Monkey Now? How to find out how well you manage your time
  Use the checklist in this article to discover whether you as a manager are; “A gatherer of monkeys”. The article gives some tips on how to recognise the signs for taking on too much work and two important rules on how to avoid this problem.
  Published 18Feb2006, viewed 434 times

• Who Do You Need to Influence the Most? - Four Simple Skills, When and How to Apply Them
  Surprisingly, we can all improve our ability to influence others by merely sharpening the influencing skills we already have in our armoury and perhaps using them more appropriately according to the situation. This article shows how.
  Published 13Feb2006, viewed 401 times

• Have You Been Appreciated Lately? - 6 steps to make yourself & others feel better at work
  Six steps for giving the best incentive staff can get while at the same time making you feel good!
  Published 06Feb2006, viewed 426 times

• Are Happy Employees Motivated Employees ?
  As managers, do we consciously try to provide this same level of motivation for all of our employees? Or, are we merely fixated on striving to achieve the deadlines, budgets and targets that are set for us (and that seem to be getting tougher and tougher and placing more and more stress on us and our people), and forgetting what it was really like when we worked in an environment that was truly “motivational”. This article suggests some answers
  Published 31Jan2006, viewed 467 times

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