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...What to Do if You Are Ghosted
We have probably all been ghosting at some point in our lives – when someone cuts off communication with us after being in a professional or personal relationship where communication has occurred in the past and is expected to continue. What is going on and how...You Grow What You Feed
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote “The only thing that can grow is the thing you give energy to” is rooted in the traditional Native American story about the two wolves that live inside of us. The story is about a young Cherokee who was angry that another child had caused...How to Deal with Toxic People
Do you know anyone whom you’ve labeled “toxic?” Here are some examples of their behavior: self-absorption or self-centeredness manipulation and other emotional abuse dishonesty and deceit difficulty offering compassion to others dramatic and/or conflict-driven Here...Strength in Numbers
I am fortunate in this position as Ombuds for many reasons, not the least of which is that I am able to witness, first-hand, people coming together to try to address something that they consider to be worthy of fixing. I see it with faculty, staff and students...All-In Listening + Non-Toxic Positivity
Being able to have a respectful conversation with another person is a crucial skill. It’s a 2-way street, with listening as the primary action and speaking without toxic positivity as the secondary action. Avoid selective hearing: Listening to hear and understand is...How to Respond to Microaggressions
Use ACTION in Responding to Microaggressions Students Em Arnold Mages, Grace Fang and Timia Kennerly graciously volunteered to create these videos to demonstrate how to respond to microaggressions. I am most grateful for their good work:...Subscribe by Email
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