The Gossip Train is the University of Colorado Ombuds’ series of blog posts and lunch and learns on all things gossip. We will explore the origins of gossip, why we gossip, the joys and dangers of gossip, and what you can do when gossip is not helpful! This post will focus on some unpleasantness associated …
Many of us would like to understand conflict better – whether it is to avoid, prevent, or navigate it more productively. One way to better understand conflict is to know what it is. In their book “Interpersonal Conflict,” Folger, Poole, and Stutman share a definition of conflict: I am going to break down the key …
@Cudenverombuds Lisa Neale writes about dignity – how we can violate or stand up for other people’s dignity – and the benefits of standing up for others. #dignity
@CUDenverOmbuds Melissa Connell discusses a fresh tool for knowing why we do what we do in conflict. By understanding our own tendencies and those of others, we can create a safe foundation for addressing conflict and moving towards management and resolution.
Getting to know Nonviolent Communication, Part 1 As a conflict resolution practitioner, I regularly see people reacting toward, withdrawing from, or attacking others when they feel they are in conflict. Then, when the other person responds either poorly, or not at all, to those tactics, the conflict escalates. It is amazing how ineffective these approaches …
Getting What You Want Through Intentional Communication Read More »
Emotions are experiences. When someone says or does something that is personally significant to you, your emotions respond and you typically experience a physical feeling, thought, physiological change, and need to act. You literally feel emotions; you don’t just think them. Emotions can be positive or negative. Positive emotions are uplifting whereas negative emotions are …
Embrace the Emotions: Five Core Concerns (Part 1 of 2) 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. …
The moment Kramer walks through the door you recognize him. The same can happen with conflict if we aware of how it shows up. Part I of this series defined conflict in an organizational and system context. This part offers the following ways conflict can “make an entrance” in organizations and systems: Much like Kramer’s …
Go ahead jot it down and, if so moved, comment below with your first thought…And a second thought too while you’re at it. When I asked a friend this question this morning, they said “aggression.” The conversation that flowed from there opened up my perspective on what conflict meant for them. In the 90’s, Costantino …