Three weeks ago, I had shoulder surgery to repair my rotator cuff. The procedure involved repairing a torn tendon, cleaning up frayed bicep tendons, and removing bone spurs. These injuries developed gradually over time. I’m on the mend, but I’m in a sling for six weeks and I’ve been struck by just how much behind-the-scenes […]
Lessons from a Sling: Conflict and Healing Read More »
May the 4th recently passed, a date playfully known as “Star Wars Day” thanks to the similar sound of “May the fourth be with you” and the iconic “May the Force be with you.” As many of you know, I enjoy using pop culture to illustrate conflict resolution concepts. Star Wars offers a fantastic lens
Negotiate Smarter: A Star Wars Lesson in Understanding Interests Read More »
At the recent International Ombuds Association Conference in Miami, I attended a session by Dr. Brent Epperson and Dr. Laura Armstrong that introduced a coaching model called EASE. EASE is short for Empathize, Acknowledge, Solve, and Explore. Although the model was designed with ombuds work in mind, I kept thinking about how useful it is
Handling Hard Conversations with EASE (and a Bit of Stoic Wisdom) Read More »
This week, I had the joy of reconnecting with ombuds colleagues from around the globe at the International Ombuds Association Annual Conference in Miami, Florida. There were many thought-provoking sessions, hallway conversations, and opportunities for sharing experiences. In response to my conference-wide invitation to share a key reminder or piece of wisdom for this week’s
Remembering How Brain Science and Community Help Us Navigate Workplace Conflict Read More »
It is not unusual to hear that if “that” person changed their behavior, there wouldn’t be a problem. Of course, the problem is that the only behavior we can change is our own. And the secret is that changing our behavior changes that of those around us. We have a dog that whines for attention.
Beyond Being Right: How Perspective, Humility, and Kindness Shape Conflict Read More »
The line between being “uncomfortable” and “unsafe” has become a significant topic in discussions about psychological safety, especially as our understanding of these concepts evolves. This post draws on insights from the presentation “Uncomfortable Versus Unsafe: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Emerging Perceptions of Safety” by Sarah Klaper of Northwestern University and Carol Gregory of Baldwin
Navigating the Line Between Unsafe and Uncomfortable Read More »
AI is proving to be a valuable asset in many areas of our lives, and conflict resolution is no exception. It can help you articulate your feelings and needs clearly, even in the most challenging situations. By inputting a description of your conflict into a dedicated platform, like this one, AI can utilize Nonviolent Communication
AI: A Powerful Tool for Navigating Conflict Read More »
Generational differences in the workplace are more than just a buzzword; they are a legitimate dynamic that can impact communication, collaboration, and overall productivity. Understanding and addressing these differences can create a more inclusive and efficient work environment. In a recent mediation, this issue came up and there was confusion about what it meant. This
Bridging the Generational Gap: Strategies for a Harmonious Workplace Read More »
As an Ombuds, I often hear from managers struggling to navigate conflict within their teams. Recently, a friend confided in me about the quick tempers and communication breakdowns happening amongst his employees. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, I offered some insights that can help anyone approach workplace conflict with a more empathetic and productive mindset.
Tame the Tension: 3 Ways Managers Can Approach Any Conflict Read More »
The former U.S. Justice – Ruth Bader Ginsburg – or RBG as she was affectionately called – shared much wisdom over her years – both legally and personally. This particular quote applies to many aspects of our lives and this week’s Conflict Mastery Quest(ions) blog considers its relevance to interpersonal conflicts. What often happens in
One Step at a Time Read More »