As a lifelong educator, and now an ombuds of almost eight years, I have always been a huge proponent of respect being a key to success in our lives. Then when I heard Donna Hicks speak on the concept of dignity at the 2022 International Ombuds Association annual conference, I was inspired to learn more! …
So you’re scheduled to give a big talk to a group of people you respect. You’ve got to come up with something good. You have an idea of what you want to say, and time to prepare. You get yourself a coffee, or a beer, or some water, and sit down to write. You visualize …
Speaking with Authenticity: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever Read More »
Are you new to public speaking, or looking to enhance your expertise? In our latest Ombuzz post, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Ombuds David G. Schwartz shares a few tips that can help everyone, from novices to experts, get the most out of their speaking opportunities.
Many of our blog posts focus on what to say and how to say it. In this post, I will highlight when it might be more effective to say nothing at all. Afterall, “Silence is golden,” right?. Here are four situations when I have found silence to be helpful: Sometimes you are in a conversation …
In the workplace, we all hope to make people feel better when they surface concerns and issues. Our intent might be in the right place, but how we say things might have the opposite effect. Remember: the impact of what is said is more important than what we intended. I recently came across an article …
Avoid Unnecessary Conflict by Using These Phrases Instead Read More »
Series Intro: Lately I’ve come across multiple articles in the press showing how much science and nature have to teach us about conflict management. For this two-part series, I thought I’d share some lessons in conflict management from the world of nature, naturalists, scientists, and science. Series Part 2: Collaboration and Altruism as Seen Through …
Conflict Tips Through the Lens of Science and Nature (Part 2 of 2) Read More »
Lately I’ve come across multiple articles in the press showing how much science and nature have to teach us about conflict management. For this two-part series, I thought I’d share some lessons in conflict management from the world of nature, naturalists, scientists, and science. How to Keep the Peace Online It’s no secret that Internet …
Conflict Tips Through the Lens of Science and Nature (Part 1 of 2) Read More »
We’ve all heard the proverb; laughter is the best medicine. That’s because it relieves stress, elevates mood, improves resiliency, draws people together, and serves as a catalyst for healthy physical and emotional changes in the body. It can also quickly turn conflict into an opportunity for connection and resolution. When used well and thoughtfully, infusing …
Be Like Abe: Effectively Use Humor to Diffuse Conflict and Tension Read More »
Happy new year to all! New beginnings and new opportunities abound and I believe it is the perfect time to examine whatever matters to you. For most of my adult years, what has taken up my time, energy and effort is trying to help to make the workplace just a bit more enjoyable and fulfilling. …
The Science Behind Kindness: Why Kindness Matters in the Workplace Read More »
Introduction The year 2022 has been a transitionary year. We’ve emerged from the isolation of a global pandemic and moved forward, courageously, to design a new normal. We have felt and expressed fear and gratitude, sorrow and laughter, and the full spectrum of human emotion. We have, at times, been energized and then equally exhausted. …