leadership, management

Sep 5, 2017

Weeks – Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution

  In a previous post, I referenced Step 5 “look to the future, then learn from the past” from Dudley Weeks, Ph.D., “Eight Essential Steps to Conflict Resolution.” With a new semester just underway, Weeks helps us think about resolving conflict as a partnership.  Here’s Weeks approach to resolve conflict while preserving relationships. Happy Fall…

Aug 28, 2017

American Bar Association – Ombuds Resolution

At the recent American Bar Association annual meeting, a resolution supporting ombuds programs passed without any dissenting votes. The resolution is simple and straightforward yet by its passage demonstrates the importance of the ombuds role today and into the future. Here’s the full text of the resolution: RESOLUTION       (103) RESOLVED that the…

Jul 26, 2017

Staff Ombuds News

Here’s an interview and story from NC State News on the Staff Ombuds pilot program. Ombuds Expands Services to Help Staff

Jul 5, 2017

One Sided Conflict Resolution

  This was the title that caught my eye – how can you resolve a conflict with someone else without actually engaging that person? At least, that’s what I thought when I signed up for this pre-conference workshop at the recent International Ombudsman Association annual meeting. I was also intrigued by the presenter – Nicole…

Jun 7, 2017

Working with Differences – Getting to Yes

  How do we address differences in the workplace?  What can we do as managers/supervisors/leaders?  One answer can be found in a post from Yvonne Wichtner-Zoia, Michigan State University Extension and Ombudsperson, with some great tips for dealing with differences. Yvonne shared insights based on the book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (Roger Fisher and…

May 3, 2017

Emojis, tagging, instagram + dealing with hostile email – BIFF it!!

  I’m working on a presentation “Conflict Resolution in Our Digital Age” and thinking a lot about our electronic communications. I’m on email and text most every day, yet working with people in conflict seems to work best when we meet face-to-face. That’s why most of my meetings are in-person. This is also supported by…

Mar 7, 2017

Staff Ombuds – what types of issues / cases?

As I talk with NC State Staff members across the university as part of our roll out of the staff ombuds services pilot program, I am often asked – what kinds of issues or cases might someone bring to the ombuds? With this in mind, at a recent Staff Senate meeting I provided an office update…

Feb 8, 2017

NC State Expands Ombuds Services as Pilot Program

Beginning January 1, 2017, NC State has expanded ombuds services to include all staff members as part of a year long pilot program. (Staff includes employees working under the State Human Rights Act – SHRA -and those Exempt from the Human Rights Act -EHRA – with a non faculty appointment).  The expansion developed based on input…

Jan 26, 2017

Diversity Dialogue at NC State

  Here’s a great opportunity to be “Nice” – be hard on problems and soft on people! Hope to see you at this program – Monday, February 20, 2017  3 – 4:30 pm / Campus Cinema Witherspoon Student Center