ombuds

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…

Apr 9, 2018

Ombuds Day – October 11, 2018 !!

Well – it is “official” !!!  The American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section (voluntary association of attorneys) has designated October 11, 2018 as Ombuds Day! There was much talk of Ombuds Day at a recent Ombuds Committee meeting at the ABA Dispute Resolution Section conference last week in Washington, D.C. Here’s a photo of the…

Jan 31, 2018

Impact of Ombuds Office Highlighted

  The NC State Faculty Ombuds Office was profiled in a recent article jointly published by The Journal of the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds and the Journal of the International Ombudsman Association -“Ombuds and Conflict Resolution Specialists: Navigating Workplace Challenges in Higher Education.”  The article explores various ombuds practices and impacts on an…

Aug 9, 2017

How are you today?

Everyday we are asked “how are you?” in some manner shape or form. Most of the time the answer is “ok” with hopefully some “greats” and “awesome” thrown in and unfortunately there are the “lousy” and “awful” as well. When people visit the NC State Faculty & Staff Ombuds Office we always talk about how folks…

May 24, 2017

In the Zone with Zone Meetings !

  17 zone meetings in 6 days with 250 people. That’s part of the NC State Staff Ombuds services roll out! Over the past three weeks I’ve met with Housekeeping Zones across NC State. I’ve met folks at 6:15 a.m., just coming off their shift and 6:30 p.m., just getting started. I’ve met folks with 29 years…

Apr 3, 2017

Dealing with conflicts – do you want or need a bridge ?

I recently saw an Ansel Adams exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of Art and along with iconic shots of the west, I was captivated by a 1932 photo of the Golden Gate before there was a bridge (the bridge opened in 1937). Adams lived in San Francisco, in the Baker Beach area, and apparently spent…

Oct 25, 2016

How Can the Faculty Ombuds Help From a Leader’s Perspective ?

  As I meet faculty leaders across campus and explain the role of the NC State Faculty Ombuds, I ask them to think in terms of – What can the Faculty Ombuds do for you?  Specifically as it relates to leaders, let me explain. Recently in a meeting with faculty leaders, I asked for a show of hands –…