I hear a lot about the importance of being kind to each other. I believe it is also important to be kind to ourselves. As we wrap up our second week of working at home, I have heard from many regarding the new challenges this transition brings. Challenges such as embracing a different mindset, developing […]
Be Kind to Yourself During These Challenging Times Read More »
As a conflict resolution practitioner, I use many different tools to analyze a conflict. This improves my ability to help the individuals involved navigate resolution and transformation. One of my all-time favorite conflict analysis tools is conflict mapping. Conflicts often feel messy and confusing. Often there are too many words to follow. For instance, this
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“When you squeeze an orange, what comes out of it? Orange juice. Why? Because that’s what’s inside it….When we get squeezed—when things aren’t going well for us—what comes out of us? Whatever’s inside of us,” explains Susan Scott, author of Fierce Conversations. No matter what emotions, thoughts and values we may consciously or unconsciously hide
Courageous Conversation Read More »
Recently I met with a small group of staff from a unit that has gone through a number of changes in the last two years. For Employee #1, this was her last day of work. She had resigned and was leaving the University without any job prospects. When I asked why she chose to move
Communication between a leader and their team: a cautionary tale Read More »
An interpretive summary of Kenneth Cloke’s keynote presentation at the Rocky Mountain Regional Ombuds Day Event We are in a time of polarizing political crisis and power struggle. Today’s political conflicts seem to be hostile win/lose situations filled with prejudice and personal attacks. Power is used to dominate others. Conflicts reside inside of us (internal
Ken Cloke is known world-wide for his work and teachings in conflict resolution, mediation, dialogue facilitation, systems design, and more. I remember seeing his name for the first time in my syllabus for Intro to Conflict Resolution my freshman year of undergrad. A visitor I met with a few moths ago reminded me of a
Debate vs Dialogue Read More »
“Intention vs Impact” is a common concept in both conflict resolution and communication. As a quick overview, the impact others feel from our words and actions are not always, or usually, the same as what we intended. This can cause conflict, hurt feelings, misinterpretations, and sometimes ruined relationships. I was recently talking with the first
Intention vs Impact: Time to take a closer look Read More »
A few months ago I was introduced to the idea of “Civic Dinners” by Atlanta-based community activist Jenn Graham. Her Ted Talk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NRD92FUwwI) captured her journey of transforming her Atlanta community from one of division and polarization to that of collaboration and mutual respect. Conditions she described in Atlanta mirrored much of what I see
Tired of our political divide? Using civic dinners and conflict styles Read More »
Feedback ombuds often hear from visitors is, “You are a great listener.” This may be followed by a statement like, “I wish I could listen as well as you do. I need to work on that.” The truth is those visitors are in good company. The majority – about 90% – of people are poor
The silent art of listening Read More »
I remember as a child listening to the radio in my parents’ station-wagon as we drove cross country to visit grandparents in the Midwest. This was many years before satellite radio and the selections were limited. My sisters and I never had a say in which station we listened to during the long, long drive
The rest of the story… Read More »