Bob Selden

I'm unashamedly a student of behaviour. I believe that the words and language we use not only impact our relationships with others, but also the way in which we behave. Recent research tends to support this belief. For example, studies at the Universities of Heidelberg, Neuchatel and Zurich (2007) show that when young male drivers hear male type words (such as “tough” and “rough”) they automatically increase their speed, whilst hearing female type words (such as “pink” and “gentle”) leads to a reduction in their speed. My question; “Can the words a manager uses also impact both his or her people relationships and behaviour?”

I survived my first new manager’s role in banking to eventually develop into a senior manager responsible for the career development of hundreds of other managers. During this growing process, and later as an organisational development consultant, trainer and coach, I learnt (often the hard way) what works and what doesn’t work when managing others. I've recently published “What To Do When You Become The Boss” which is a result of some of this learning. I'm now determined to help other new managers during their initial growth spurt.

I'm an Australian currently living in Liestal, Switzerland. As well as being fortunate enough to consult to various organisations on 5 continents, I coach on the Mobilizing People program at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. I also facilitate on programs such as the Middle Manager Development program at the Australian Graduate School of Management in Sydney, Australia.

I'd like to challenge those of you who are interested, on some of your thinking on leadership and management development and would very much appreciate your feedback.