Better Late than Never
Many people have a tendency to procrastinate, engage in something they enjoy rather than a required task and/or avoid confrontation. We do this because it is easier and it’s more pleasant and hey, why should I always be a work horse? There are proverbs and aphorisms...Don’t Assume Malicious Intent
Hanlon’s razor can be described as “never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by carelessness.” It is an excellent thing to keep in mind when someone says or does something that upsets/offends/angers you and you might be quick to think that it was...Common struggles that can be addressed with improved communication styles
Many people have similar struggles and some of these can be alleviated with improved communication styles. A few examples of these struggles include Social anxiety Sense of isolation Dealing with conflict and/or difficult people Feeling overwhelmed Family...Strategies for Handling Interpersonal Conflict
Most of the inquiries I get as an Ombuds are how to handle interpersonal conflict. The visitor and I confidentially discuss the situation(s) and then explore all the options for responses, from ignoring it to confronting it, and everything in-between. The visitor...Standing Up to Harmful Speech
Upon returning Philosophy Professor Mary Kate McGowan’s book, Just Words, to the departmental library the other day (and which was the subject of my previous blog), I noticed another book on the shelves entitled Speech & Harm, Controversies over Free Speech,...Sticks and Stones
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” I recently had a serendipitous moment while waiting to give a brief introduction about my office to a faculty department. I happened to look over the books in their library and noticed one that...What If You Commit A Microaggression?
Someone recently confessed her tendency to express negative thoughts and feared she might be engaging in microaggressions. This self-awareness and humility is to be commended, for few of us are willing to admit such things. I wrote a blog in January 2022 about how...Ground Rules are a Safety Net for All
We use ground rules in a myriad of places – in our academic syllabi, before we begin a mediation or facilitated conversation, before setting off in a new job and before engaging in an athletic or debate competition. Some wince at the thought of establishing a set of...How to Keep Fabulous Friends
Many of these Ombuds blogs deal with how to navigate difficult relationships but this month the topic will be maintaining and nurturing healthy friendships – a skill every bit as important as the others. Our mental and physical health actually crave good “give and...Subscribe by Email
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