leadership, management

Mar 8, 2016

Go Far Together

  I recently heard an interview of Cory Booker, Senator from New Jersey.  He was asked about the divisiveness in Washington and about how he worked with Governor Christie when Booker was mayor of Newark. Booker explained that even when you had significant differences, it was still important to make connections and build relationships. He…

Jan 15, 2016

Coming to a Meeting in Your Galaxy !

First, a Happy 2016 to all at NC State University!  And, now that we’ve enjoyed a fine holiday season, it’s time to get moving in the new year!  With that in mind, I’m reviewing where I’ve been and where I still need to go. In the last year, I’ve introduced the NC State Faculty Ombuds Office in some…

Dec 8, 2015

One Year at NC State

Last Tuesday, December 1st, marked one year at NC State for its Faculty Ombuds – Roy Baroff. I’ve received strong support from across the university community (of that I’m truly thankful) and also seek to continue building the office. Its been quite a year and let me share a few reflections. Early on, with the help of…

Oct 23, 2015

NC State Faculty Ombuds Office Charter

  On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, the NC State Chancellor, Provost, Chair of the Faculty, and Faculty Ombuds signed the office charter outlining the role and particulars of the office. The office charter was drafted and reviewed by the Faculty Ombuds with an ad hoc committee including representatives of the Chancellor, Provost, General Counsel, Employee Relations, and…

Sep 1, 2015

Difficult Conversations – Office of Faculty Development Workshop

Conflict resolution workshop featuring Roy Baroff, NC State Faculty Ombuds, presented by the Office of Faculty Development on Friday September 18th from 1:30 pm – 2:45. Come learn about Conflict Styles, how to have that difficult conversation, and meet the NC State Faculty Ombuds.  Here’s a link to registration for this event: OFD Registration Hope you can attend!

Aug 27, 2015

What’s Your Conflict Resolution Style?

  I recently conducted a negotiation/mediation training for members of the military who were working with both military and civilians from other countries. The idea was to explore how to negotiate and even mediate when one did to have authority to order an outcome. One aspect of this training considered conflict resolution styles. Much has…

Jul 31, 2015

Be nice at work!

  When should you be nice at work? The answer is “all the time” and doing so can lead to advancement and productivity. That’s part of the conclusion presented by Christine Porath, Associate Professor at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, in her recent New York Times Opinion piece, No Time to Be Nice (June 19. 2015). According…

Jun 9, 2015

Navigating the storm of Conflict

How do we deal with conflict?  That’s the question John Zinsser asks and answers in his recent TedX Charleston talk. I met John at the recent IOA (International Ombudsman Association) annual conference and he provides a great tool for thinking and dealing with conflict.  John calls himself a communication catalyst and has significant conflict resolution and…

Apr 24, 2015

IOA Conference – build relationships to build resolution

I just returned from the IOA (International Ombudsman Association) annual conference in Atlanta. Just imagine 400 ombuds from across the country and the world gathering to talk, learn, and network around the work of the ombuds. The program was packed with plenary sessions and smaller seminars with topics to meet a full range of interests.…