How to Stay Motivated
There are times during the year that many people feel a bit unmotivated. Students towards the end of a semester are anxious to finish up, but may feel overwhelmed and/or burned out. Staff in the middle of a summer or winter session may find it difficult to stay on...Communication/Collaboration Tips for Managers and Department Chairs
Be clear about your preference for how those on your team communicate. If you prefer face-to-face meetings over emails or texts, let your team know. Encouraging them to talk with one another will both demonstrate that you value the importance of communication and it...How to Do SOMETHING for Racial and Social Justice
You may feel motivated to partake in social justice efforts because the topic relates to your own identity. You may be motivated because the efforts address an underrepresented or marginalized group that you care about. Ask yourself what issues you are passionate...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...Subscribe by Email
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