• A boss creates fear – a leader builds confidence,
• A boss fixes blame – a leader corrects mistakes,
• A boss knows all – a leader asks questions,
• A boss makes work drudgery – a leader makes it interesting.

If you see yourself as a “boss” in any of the above, you have a problem!

Being a leader in today’s changing business landscape is challenging enough without making it even more difficult.  Managing people effectively, openly and fairly isn’t easy – but the success of your organization will ultimately depend on you being an effective leader.

How can you do all of this!  It isn’t rocket science, and we can help – it’s what we do.

Give us a call – or e-mail us. It’s free and could be the best decision you make for your organization.

Bob Bliss Associates, Inc.
304-546-8827

It’s the same for executives in their business. Having someone do a business review can be a scary scenario. What if they find something wrong? After all, you’re the CEO, you couldn’t need executive coaching! Or could you?

That’s what we do — and we’re pretty good!  With over 40 years of corporate and higher
experience in management and education, we’ve probably seen most of the problems
CEO’s in both areas will face.

If you’re doing everything right – congratulations! If you’re not sure and need a closer
look, give us a call – it won’t cost you anything to inquire.

You might like what you hear!

Bob Bliss Associates, Inc.
(304) 546-8827
bob@bobblissassociates.com

Love him or hate him — Tiger Woods is back! For him it’s been a long 30 months since
his last PGA win, and many thought it would not happen.

Adversity can strike anyone, any time. While situations may vary, the way individuals
react to adversity will usually mean the difference between success or failure. In Tiger’s
case he relied heavily on coaching, both in the physical aspects of his golf swing,
but perhaps more importantly, on the mental mindset required. The first is usually
accomplished with less difficulty than the latter.

Business leaders are not immune to adversity. How you respond to adversity will not
only have an impact on your company, but will form your management imprint with
customers and employees alike.

Tiger needed coaching advice – and he was at the top of his profession and, in all
probability, will be there again soon. Utilizing a coach is not a weakness. It’s a
necessity at some point.

Call us. We’re experienced and have the creativity to guide you through adversity.
Could be the best call you’ll ever make!

(304) 546-8827
bob@bobblissassociates.com

Also here is a photo of the article from the paper (click to enlarge)

Thanks to my friends Paul Helmick and Steve Payne for helping with the website and the photography!

The bottom line (jumping ahead fospeaur years) was a complete reversal – in speech, in confidence, and in looking ahead to thefuture.  Who would have believed a short, speech impaired boy would grow to become the CEO/President of our corporations, a University President, an accomplished speaker and author!  The odds say “no” — but no one can measure perseverance and determination.

Life is good — give me a call!  I would enjoy speaking to your organization, company, institution or group.

How things have changed!  Today’s college or university president is faced with issues previously designated only to presidents of business organizations.  College presidents are now confronting personnel issues, monetary issues involving tuition, fund raising, skyrocketing operational costs and the ever present issue of faculty tenure.  Couple all of these together with the task of satisfying multiple constituents (alumni, trustees, students, parents, state leaders, co-workers) and you have a position few really seek.  Their lives are not easy, as evidenced by the relatively short average time as president being slightly under five years.

Over the past 25 years, in working directly with numerous college/university presidents, I have seen a gradual, but substantial, shift in the criteria being written for a presidential position.  Where in the past the Ph.D. degree was mandatory, it usually now is listed as “preferred”.  This is not a condemnation of the degree, but more of a required need for a leader with a broader exposure, to a candidate possessing a background more in line with the demands of a president in the 21st century.   In reality, being president of a college or university is equivalent to being the CEO of a major business, carrying with it all of the responsibilities of leadership in an even wider range of areas.

Since 1988 it has been my privilege to work with several institutional presidents on a wide variety of issues.  As they have commented, many times it helps to have an outside view of their organization as well as insight into the various operations.  We have assisted in financial development programs, admissions and financial aid operations, trustee relations, as well as overall institutional management issues.

Sitting in the president’s chair isn’t easy (been there, done that) — and it’s always good to have someone to periodically take a look at your procedures, as well as to offer guidance in critical areas of concern.

We’re as close as our e-mail or telephone!

No one could have predicted a short, speech impaired young man could possibly distinquish himself in his adult years.  No one would have guessed he would not only overcome his impairment (and stature – he would grow!) to become a corporate president of three companies, a college president and proficient public speaker — but it happened.

Overcoming obstacles in life, whether in business, education or personal setbacks, is a matter of choices.  Some will meekly accept obstacles as barriers they cannot, or will not, attempt to overcome.  They are defeated before they start and accept their life as it’s presented to them.  When obstacles are faced, there are usually options available, some easier than others, some requiring determination and perhaps some sacrifice.

How obstacles are faced and overcome is just one of the topics it has been my priviledge to discuss with a wide range of audiences.  It’s part motivational, part instructional and definitly fun.  “The King’s Speech” is bringing attention to one man’s determination to overcome his obstacle — let me bring a first-hand experience to your group.