I recently discovered a beautiful poem: When you are in doubt, be still, and wait;When doubt no longer exists for you, Then go forward with courage.So long as mists envelop you, be still; Be still until the sunlight pours throughAnd dispels the mists – as it surely will.Then act with courage. –Ponca Chief White Eagle …
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 »
This summer I noticed myself feeling overwhelmed and burned out. I spoke with many of my colleagues who felt the same way. It felt like I didn’t have enough time and energy to accomplish the many professional and personal tasks. It was starting to feel unsustainable! However, the rational part of my brian knew it …
Ombuzz is all about providing tips, tools and strategies to help people navigate conflict, improve communication and sustain healthy relationships in the workplace. This week I want to take a step back and acknowledge a few truths: effective communication is difficult, conflict is often complicated and relationships are, well, messy! If you are having a …
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. …
Covid. Finals Week. Annual Evaluations. Debt Collectors. Internet Down. Zoom Meetings. Honor Code Violation. Any particular feelings pop up when you read these phrases? Excited to read more of this post? If not, I completely understand. However, I promise I won’t use these phrases again. These words are triggers making many of us feel unsettled, …
I recently facilitated a team building meeting in person for the first time since March 2020. I have worked with groups by facilitating conflict, team building, engaging in change management, facilitating strategic planning and decision making… and on and on… for the past 10 years. I have built a familiarity and comfort working with groups …
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.
Stress Resilience. As our office contemplates its annual report and gathers themes to present to the university community, this term cycles through my mind. It is a new term for me. I recently discovered it while reading the New York Times Bestseller, “Lasting Happiness In a Changing World, The Book of Joy” by Dalai Lama …
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 »