IOA

Apr 8, 2021

Leading with Dignity

At the recent International Ombuds Association (IOA) annual conference, we heard an excellent keynote address focused on dignity. Presented by Dr. Donna Hicks, from the Westford Center for International Affairs at Harvard University, she explained that there are three simple truths that guider her work around “dignity.” We all want to feel that we matter. When…

Apr 8, 2019

IOA Conference Highlights – “Where is your middle?”

I recently attended the IOA Annual Conference and, with just over 500 attendees, it was the largest conference to date! Thus, you can imagine the learning and networking and, of course fun in New Orleans, to be had by all! The conference included excellent plenary and keynotes along with a diverse selection of concurrent sessions.…

Feb 22, 2019

Organizational Ombuds Support is Neutral and Impartial

Toward the end of last month the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) offered comment on proposed amendments to Title IX regulations to the Department of Education. I’m both a member and a Board member of IOA and value that organizational ombuds have an association home for education, networking and ombuds promotion. And, as I read the…

May 8, 2018

IOA Conference Highlights – Robin Hood and the Boss Whisperer

  The International Ombudsman Association recently completed its annual conference with 400+ attendees (the largest conference to date) in downtown Richmond. There were many “highlights” to the conference and let me share a few. One afternoon session led by Teresa Ralicki, CO-OP (ombuds at University of Colorado – Denver) and Adam Barak Kleinberger, CO-OP  (ombuds…

Feb 19, 2018

IOA Board of Directors Election Results

  The International Ombudsman Association (IOA) recently provided Board of Director election results. There were 6 seats open with a slate of 9 candidates. The candidates elected will step onto the Board at the IOA Annual Conference in late April. The newly elected Board members include Roy Baroff, NC State Faculty & Staff Ombuds. The full…

Jun 21, 2017

NC State Faculty & Staff Ombuds Obtains Certification – Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner – CO-OP® 

  The International Ombudsman Association (IOA – uses the Swedish term “ombudsman” that includes all genders) supports the certification of organizational ombuds through its division – The Board of Certification for Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioners – CO-OP®. The requirements for certification include completion of a written exam that tests knowledge of conflict management and effective…

Apr 25, 2016

International Ombudsman Association Annual Conference 2016

I attended and presented at the IOA 2016 conference a couple of weeks ago in Seattle with over 400 attendees. There were several excellent keynote speeches including one by noted conflict resolution field author Bernie Mayer. Mayer explained that dealing with conflict is all about dealing with paradox. His recent book – The Conflict Paradox –…