I’ve got a new From the Ombuds posted–this one looks at the why of what I do: When I mention my job (UNLV’s Ombuds, if you didn’t already know), I get a lot of questions, mostly about what I do and how. But there’s one question I rarely get asked, either because people already know …
Why Do We Have an Ombuds, Anyway? | From the Ombuds Read More »
I’ve got a new column posted on From the Ombuds about one of the most common reasons people find themselves in conflict: Almost a month ago (how time flies!), a speaker at the International Ombuds Association annual conference said something that stuck with me: conflict is driven by unmet expectations. I had never considered it …
Why We Are in Conflict, Reason 3: Unmet Expectations | From the Ombuds Read More »
I’ve got a new From the Ombuds post up, summing up the contents of the office’s 2023 first quarter report. One quarter of 2023 is in the books. Let that sink in for a moment. In another three months, half the year will be gone, with so much yet to do. For better or worse, …
UNLV Ombuds Office First Quarter 2023 Report Released | From the Ombuds Read More »
A new week, some new content. In this case, it is a From the Ombuds post I wrote about the difficult case of people at work who seem to be stuck in the past, and keep on talking about it. And talking about it. and talking about it: Most of us are sensitive enough not …
No, We (Usually) Don’t Want to Hear About Your Ex | From the Ombuds Read More »
I’ve got a new post on From the Ombuds that examines the differences between formal and informal conflict resolution processes: I frequently get asked just what an ombuds does—almost as often as I get asked how you say it (rhymes with “Tom Suds”). For me, one of the most important aspects of the office is …
Formal? Informal? What’s the Difference, Anyway? | From the Ombuds Read More »
My latest From the Ombuds starts with Spring Break and ends with silos. Come along for the ride: It’s spring break, but that might not mean anything to you.Which makes me think of the many calendars we use on campus, and how that highlights the diversity of programs, jobs, and experiences at UNLV—or any major …
Spring Break, Schedules, and Silos | From the Ombuds Read More »
I’ve got a new From the Ombuds post. This one is about the sometimes malign power of silence: Everyone who visits the Ombuds Office to discuss a concern is unique, with responsibilities, experiences, and aspirations that they share with no one else. Yet certain patterns emerge. In 2022, 38 percent of visitors to the office …
My latest From the Ombuds is all about the annual evaluation process at UNLV. Right now, it is about to reach its climax. I wanted to share a few thoughts–based on something interesting I recently read–about how it might be a bit better: With the NFL’s big game just behind us, many on campus are …
One Question That Might Make the Supervisors’ Big Game a Bit Better | From the Ombuds Read More »
I was recently interviewed by Authority Magazine for a topic that I have some experience with–public speaking. I don’t think I’ve ever done an interview quite this comprehensive, so it should be a good read. I’ve also got a fun video summarizing the main points. Be authentically interested. This works regardless of your initial confidence …
With a lot of hard work from Tifara Rachal, the Ombuds Office’s Program Manager, our 2022 annual report is up. And I wrote a From the Ombuds Post discussing it: It’s with deep satisfaction that I unveil the annual report charting the progress of UNLV’s Ombuds Office in calendar 2022. Before you read the entire …
UNLV Ombuds Office 2022 Annual Report Released | From the Ombuds Read More »