These are some thoughts on people, organizations, conflict, and culture. It’s rooted in my ombuds and mediation work, but takes in other things that I study or follow, including history, gambling, conspiracy theories, jazz, and video games.
As a blog, it is a successor to From the Ombuds, which itself is a successor to my earlier Las Vegas and gambling-centric blogging on my own site (Die is Cast, and before that, Casino PTZ), Two Way Hard Three, and other places.
The name, “informed informality,” references one of the four standards of ombuds practice, informality in the sense of assistance that comes outside of formal administrative channels. The “informed” part should imply that, even though I am informal and even casual at times, I have put a lot of thought into this, and hopefully what I say is informed by something.
Have you ever read something that just pops? Like, you are amazed that you’ve never seen this concept explained in this way, and you’re a little miffed that you haven’t done it yourself? Or is that just me? I’m asking because I recently had an experience like that, and I’d like to share it with […]
Seeing from Above and Below by Listening Read More »
informed informalityThe Pythia, or Oracle at Delphi, was sought out for her predictions. The high priestess of Apollo, the Greek god of music, prophecy, medicine, the sun, and assorted other odds and ends, she shared, on demand, prophecies divined from the god himself. The stories of her forecasts reveal a nearly universal human truth: we often
The Oracle, the Prophet, and Wishful Hearing Read More »
informed informalityLet’s take a look at how emergency preparedness can help us face everyday conflicts at work or school.
What We’re Preparing For (and When) Read More »
informed informalityEarly in my ombuds career, I was told that conflict, more often than not, is driven by unmet expectations. Talking with participants in dozens, if not hundreds of large and small conflicts through, I absolutely agree. Almost always, unsatisfied expectations, whether verbalized or not, are at the root of interpersonal and even institutional issues. One
Do Expectations Push or Punish Us? Read More »
informed informalityBystanders can play a crucial role in protecting themselves, others, and their institutions. Yet they often don’t feel empowered to speak or act. Why not? Drawing on the work of Mary Rowe we’ll explore why they stay silent and consider what much be done to elicit their participation.
What Do Bystanders Need Before They Speak? Read More »
informed informalityORIGINALLY PUBLISHED OCT. 22, 2021 Email, like the talents of detective Adrian Monk of the eponymous USA network drama, is both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows us to share our thoughts instantaneously, without regard to distance or cost. On the other, it allows us to share our thoughts instantaneously,
Five Email Mistakes That Exacerbate Conflict Read More »
informed informalityExploring the reasons I’m starting a new blog, and explaining what it means.
Introducing informal informality Read More »
informed informality