I feel compelled to share some thoughts about an experience I had when I worked casino security. This isn’t a tale of a foiled robbery or other heroics. It’s not a story about seeing people at their worst or making a difference in someone’s life. No, it’s something a little more mundane, and hopefully relatable. […]
Why I Have Negative Knowledge (A Casino Security Reminiscence) Read More »
informed informalityWhat do we need from others to feel appreciated? And can being appreciated be better than being understood? In the past I have written about the importance of Mary Rowe’s concept of “microaffirmations,” small acts that, when practiced regularly, can promote belonging and improve a culture. Last week, I led nine workshops for Rebel Ready
Who Do We Appreciate? Read More »
informed informalityI have had the story of Orpheus and Eurydice on my mind, and not just because I recently saw Hadestown. A quick summary: Orpheus’s wife, Eurydice, died of a snakebite. The grieving Orpheus journeyed to the underworld, where he moved everyone with his singing, including the big bosses Hades and Persephone. They permitted him to
The Orpheus Syndrome, or When Asking Makes It Worse Read More »
informed informalityI had one of those moments where I absolutely said the wrong thing, to great comic effect. But what does that say about how we can communicate better with each other?
Brain Battles Mouth. Mouth Wins. Hilarity Ensues. Read More »
informed informalityI’ve been asked a lot about what the legacy of The Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip is. I thought I had a good answer, but it turns out that I was wrong. Here’s why.
The Mirage’s Real Legacy Isn’t What I Thought Read More »
informed informalityReading Jared Poley’s Luck, Leisure, and the Casino in Nineteenth-Century Europe: A Cultural History of Gambling (a fine book on the subject), a 125-year old observation struck me as relevant to those of us who have questions about the future, which I guess we all do, since future events will affect us in the future.
Chance, Ignorance, and Human Behavior Read More »
informed informalityI recently saw a work of art that got me thinking quite deeply about communication. Nikita Gale’s TEMPO RUBATO (STOLEN TIME), consisting of a modified player piano, audio, and a lighting system, is currently exhibited as part of the Whitney Biennial at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Gale describes the installation as “a player
Stolen Time and Unexpectedly Friendly Cats Read More »
informed informalityHave 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 informalityI recently joined host Adel Aali on the History Behind News podcast to discuss the history of gambling. The podcast, which is available on several platforms, intends to make in-depth history researched and written by scholars enjoyable and accessible to everyone. It was a wide-ranging discussion, heading into places that surprised even me at time.
Interviewed on the History Behind News Podcast Read More »
interviewLet’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 informalityORIGINALLY PUBLISHED OCT. 22, 2021 Back in kindergarten, you might have been told that if you don’t have something nice to say, you shouldn’t say anything at all. In many cases, you honor that precept, but sometimes, it is difficult. There may come a time when you feel an irrepressible urge to share bad news,
Six Reasons to Think Twice Before Speaking Poorly of Others at Work Read More »
From the Ombuds Archive, ombudsORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEB. 9, 2022 The Ombuds Office recently released the UNLV Ombuds Office 2022 Annual Report. Preparing this report and sharing it with the campus has helped me to put into perspective the issues people bring to the office. If the numbers tell the truth, the biggest obstacle to greater happiness and satisfaction for
Why Can’t We Talk? Read More »
From the Ombuds Archive, ombudsORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEB. 16, 2022 The International Ombuds Association’s Code of Ethics outlines four basic ethical principles: informality, independence, impartiality, and confidentiality. Each of these is necessary to the practice of an organization ombuds, and each offers benefits to both those who visit the office and the larger institutional community. I feel it will helpful to use
Why the Ombuds Office Is Informal Read More »
From the Ombuds Archive, ombudsORIGNALLY PUBLISHED FEB. 22, 2022 One of the most common questions people in a difficult situation ask is how they should document their concerns. When they suspect they are being bullied or harassed, what is the best course of action? Whether it was a fraught email exchange or a questionable conversation, it is critical to
Documenting Your Conflict Read More »
From the Ombuds Archive, ombudsORIGNALLY PUBLISHED MAR. 2, 2022 This is the second in a series of posts exploring the four ethical principles that serve as the foundation of the practice of an organizational ombuds: informality, independence, impartiality, and confidentiality. Today, I will share some thoughts on what independence means for ombuds and those who use their offices. Usually it
Independence and the Ombuds Read More »
From the Ombuds Archive, ombudsORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MAR. 8, 2022 This is the third in a series of posts exploring the four ethical principles that serve as the foundation of the practice of an organizational ombuds: informality, independence, impartiality, and confidentiality. Today, I will share some thoughts on what impartiality means for ombuds and those who use their offices. The International
Ombuds Impartiality and Multipartiality Explained Read More »
From the Ombuds Archive