Just posted an update on From the Ombuds. There is a new report up: We are now halfway through 2023. Let that sink in. Things have certainly been moving at a galloping pace at the Ombuds Office. Luckily, Program Manager Tifara Rachal and I have taken a moment or two to put together a report …
UNLV Ombuds Office Releases 2023 2nd Quarter Report | From the Ombuds Read More »
Recently caught up in a flight cancellation vortex, I had some first-hand experience in why people get frustrated, which made me think of ways we can help them not: We’ve all seen clips of adults melting down in public—screaming, shouting profanities, and otherwise acting disgracefully. If we’re honest, there’s a healthy serving of smug superiority …
Four Reasons Why People Get Frustrated: Airport Edition | From the Ombuds Read More »
In my latest From the Ombuds, I pull back the curtain and–without violating confidentiality–share what goes on when people come to the Ombuds Office: For the most part (when I’m not spending time watching other people work or helping out), I do two things: run group workshops and meet with people one-on-one. The group workshop …
What Really Happens at the Ombuds Office? | From the Ombuds Read More »
For the past few months, I’ve spent some time shadowing various people and groups around UNLV. I thought I would write about it: “Shadowing” sounds a lot more sinister than what I actually do, which is sit (or stand) with a smile while people do what they usually do, occasionally, when time permits, asking a …
Why I Want to Be Your Shadow (And You Should Too) | From the Ombuds Read More »
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 »