Yesterday, October 10th 2023, was world mental health day. I spent my day thinking about one area of mental health that has been impacting many of my ombuds visitors lately; boundaries at work. Whether one person is fulfilling the work of two or three people because staff are on leave, or positions haven’t been filled, …
Two Steps to Establish Boundaries and Preserve Your Mental Health Read More »
Gossip is everywhere. In fact, research shows that 65% of people’s conversations could be defined as gossip. Dunbar, R. Human Nature (1997). That includes negative, neutral, and positive gossip. In The Gossip Train, Ombuzz authors talked about the complexities of gossip: What is it? Why do we do it? Its dark side and negative consequences. …
How to Use Gossip as a Catalyst for Positive Change Read More »
Blurb: CU Denver|Anschutz Medical Campus Ombuds Lisa Neale shares insight from Laine Davey on how to create space for natural conflict among work teams to normalize conflict maximize the benefits of conflict, and gain stronger results.
Language impacts how we think and behave, and the culture we create for ourselves. What we say and how we say it matters. As our social and work activities are moving to in-person more, I am struck by the language many are using around this change. If we want to maintain engagement, creativity, and effectiveness …
“Back/Return to work” is really “Into a new workplace” Read More »
Anxieties is on the rise as return to in-person work gains steam. Here are some tips to squelch those thoughts and prepare for a smooth transition.
I know. That’s a big claim. Read it again. There is no such thing as common sense. Consider this. Have you ever said, “Really, how could they do that? Isn’t it common sense?” If so, then I am already getting your buy-in because if common sense truly existed, we would not need to ask! I …
Why do we gather together to remember a loved one when they’ve died? Why do we say vows at a wedding? Why do we give toasts at Thanksgiving? These are all examples of rituals we regularly participate in, often without thinking. They are part of our culture and are a physical representation of the psychological …
Want to Improve Your Work Culture? Adopt a Ritual! Read More »
Just about a year ago, I began to take particular notice of “when” and “how” requests and the moments that follow them. Right now, it feels especially important to consider them and the affect they have on us. When and how. Simple words, yet so complicated, full of commitment, and challenge that they often evoke …
Being knowledgeable and aware of the sources of conflict is a rising tide that can lift your team and organizational boat. Part I of this series defined conflict in an organizational and system context. While Part II offered ways conflict can “make an entrance” and show up in organizations and systems like Kramer in Seinfeld. …
William Bridges gives a framework and guidance for teams and organizations navigating changes and transitions in his book, Managing Transitions. I am going to use his framework for looking at the current situation we are in with Covid-19 and the changes in how CU campuses are operating. Bridges highlights that a change is a specific …