- When Should I See the Ombuds? (And Who Can Stop Me?)It’s understandable. Maybe you started your new job with a feeling of hope, looking forward to making new friends. Maybe you thought your new boss was going to be better than your old one. Maybe you knew, for sure, your supervisor—who has had nothing but praise for you since you started—would be happy to switch you to remote work. But things aren’t going the way you expected. You seem…
- A Matter of PerspectiveI want to take the risk of breaking from my recent subject matter—the somewhat abstract but nonetheless crucial importance of the principles that guide organizational ombudship—to share a more personal view of conflict resolution. We all know someone who seems to delight in wringing any possible drop of tragedy from joy, someone who will always remind you of how awful life tends to be. This is a…
- Ombuds Impartiality and Multipartiality ExplainedThis 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 Association’s Code of Ethics construes…
- Independence and the OmbudsThis 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 is terrible form to start off with a dictionary definition,…
- Documenting Your ConflictOne 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 document what just happened, not just for the sake of creating a “paper trail” but also for you to…
- Why the Ombuds Office Is InformalThe 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 this space to explain to the campus…
- Why Can’t We Talk?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 UNLV employees is communication, primarily with their supervisors, but also with their…
- UNLV Ombuds Office 2022 Annual Report Is AvailableLast June, I assumed a new role as UNLV’s Ombuds, tasked with re-establishing the Ombuds Office. Over the next seven months, I worked to build an office that adheres to the International Ombuds Association’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics and is structured to serve all UNLV employees: an office that is independent, impartial, informal, and confidential. Together with Tifara…
- Why You Might Be an Excellent Campus MediatorRecently, the Ombuds Office put out a call for applications for its January 2022 Campus Mediators cohort. I would like to take a moment to share a few reasons why becoming a campus mediator can be a rewarding way to serve the UNLV employee community. The Ombuds Office at UNLV offers many services to employees. Individual consultations, one-on-one coaching, group training, and facilitated…
- Call for Campus Mediators: January 2022 CohortThe UNLV Ombuds Office welcomes applicants for the volunteer position of campus mediator. Campus mediators must complete the Boyd School of Law’s 40-hour Basic Mediation Essentials course and agree to serve in the mediation pool for three years. The Mediation Essentials course, which will be paid for by the Ombuds Office for those selected as campus mediators, is being held from…
- Six Reasons to Think Twice Before Speaking Poorly of Others at WorkBack 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, opinion, or gossip about a peer, manager, or subordinate. You hear that they’re going to be disciplined or maybe even fired…
- Ombuds Week: Get to Know the Office Via a Full Slate of ActivitiesOmbuds Day is an annual day of recognition for the ombuds profession organized by the American Bar Association Section of Dispute Resolution. This year, the theme of Ombuds Day is "Exploring Options to Resolve Conflict Together." To raise awareness of the Ombuds Office on campus, and to celebrate the work that ombuds do worldwide, UNLV's Ombuds Office is hosting a week of activities that…