I once worked with a visitor who had received some difficult feedback from their supervisor: you’re not coachable. The feedback left the visitor stunned. “Of course I’m coachable! People love me! Have you ever heard anything so ridiculous in your life? I don’t know why I bother listening to that…” There it is. “I don’t […]
The Power of Coachability: Growing Through Tough Conversations 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 »
It is the day after election day, and while you may be experiencing a range of emotions, it’s important to prioritize your mental, your emotional well-being, and your relationships. This post offers practical tips to help you manage post-election stress and maintain relationships. Tune In to Yourself: Set Healthy Boundaries: Practice Mindful Communication: Remember, it’s
Prioritize Self-Care: Navigating the Post-Election Day Landscape Read More »
Desperate times call for desperate measures. In an era where people are not willing to listen to each other, alternative strategies are needed. As Maya Angelo said, “conversations create the future. People will forget what you did and said, but never forget how you made them feel.” But what can you do when you feel
Strategies to Move Forward Together Read More »
Jenna has been with her organization for two years. Recently, her colleague Sam became her supervisor, and their dynamic changed, taking a turn for the worse. Sam questions Jenna’s intentions in team meetings, reassigns projects to a less senior member, and pressures the team with unrealistic deadlines. This has left Jenna feeling anxious, working long hours,
Quick Tips to Turn Your Working Relationship Around Read More »
As we enter 2024, the ways we communicate continue to rapidly evolve. Technology has made global communication instantaneous, yet connecting genuinely with others remains an art. In this new year, I want to share several timeless principles to help us communicate effectively and efficiently, but with depth and meaning. Listen generously. Be quick to hear
Timeless Principles for Effective Communication in 2024 Read More »
The holiday season brings twinkling lights and festive cheer. It also often brings together family and friends who may not see each other frequently. While this can lead to joyful reunions, it can also lead to disagreements and heightened emotions. As you gather this season, there are three things you can do to help maintain
Nurturing Harmony During the Holidays 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.
Public Speaking: What You Need to Succeed (Part I) Read More »
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
Four Ways to Work with Silence 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.