Conflict Resolution

Mar 26, 2020

Ombuds 20:2 / Reframe to Us v the Problem

Mar 18, 2020

Ombuds – 20

Feb 24, 2020

Ombuds Role and Risk Management

I’ll be participating later this week in a URMIA (University Risk Management & Insurance Association) regional conference in Raleigh where I’ll have an opportunity to talk with attendees about how an ombuds can help an organization address and manage risks. I’m attending on behalf of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) along with its Executive Director…

Jan 3, 2020

New Year’s “Conflict” Resolution !

Aug 26, 2019

Skilled Listening – an ombuds super power!

One of the most important skills I bring to the ombuds role is listening. It’s one of our ombuds super powers! For many people who visit the office, it’s what they are seeking. Someone to listen. Let me note that listening does not mean one agrees; instead, it means one is focused on fully hearing…

Mar 21, 2019

What Kind of Boss are You?

As I work with faculty and staff at NC State, a significant number of issues focus on evaluative relationships – meaning, people bring concerns about their direct report. For 2018, evaluative relationship concerns were the primary identified issue for faculty (37%) and staff (54%) visitors to the ombuds office. In many ways, this is not surprising…

Jan 21, 2019

What and How is Next?

With the holiday season just behind us, it seems like a good time to think – what’s next in our workplace?  And, in addition – how’s next?  Meaning we might have an idea for what we are seeking yet how are we going to get there?  While these questions are often discussed with family, friends…

Oct 8, 2018

Avoiding conflict does not mean one avoids conflict ??!!

I recently had an “ah ha” moment about “avoiding” conflict.  With 30 years experience as a mediator, attorney and currently as the NC State Faculty & Staff Ombuds, I think a lot about how people deal with conflict. According to research in the dispute resolution field, the most popular means of addressing conflicts is to avoid…

Jul 6, 2018

From Great To Extraordinary – Leadership For All !

  NC State is currently in the midst of a major development effort (The Campaign for NC State) and with over 1.3 billion (yes billion) raised to date and with a goal of 1.6, it is well on its way to meeting its goal. GO PACK!  The campaign is about helping the university transform from Great to…