Relations between supervisors and staff or between faculty, chairs, and administrators are some of the most consequential relations in a university setting. It is not surprising, then, that these relations often prove to be pressure points for conflict.
Thankfully, because the Ombuds Office is an on-campus, full-time resource, the University Ombuds can work with the parties over time without incurring additional costs as a contract coach or consultant would.
In many cases, small adjustments in practice can have a huge impact. See below for articles and tips for dealing with-- and even preventing-- leadership-related conflict.
Articles and Guides
- NEW for COVID-19-- As the longterm impact of the pandemic begins to settle in, planning for difficult conversations in the virtual realm will become more important than ever. Read this article for guidance on how to prepare well: Difficult Conversations, Virtually Speaking. And here's a checklist to aid in basic planning: Virtual Meeting Template.
- NEW for COVID-19-- With many decisions typically made in face-to-face meetings being pushed into the virtual realm, a plan on how to make the virtual realm work for the group is key. Here's how: Better Decision-Making Online.
- Working for someone who loses their temper, is dishonest, demeaning or just neglectful can be extremely hard-- but it can be changed by starting with a simple tool: seeking feedback. Here's how to do it: Feedback as a relationship-building tool.
- Gaslighting is a psychological weapon of control infecting social relationships at home, school, and work. Here's how to overcome it in a higher education setting. Overcoming Gaslighting.
- To facilitate a group discussion on a difficult topic, here are some "do's" and "don'ts" to get you started: Build Your Own Facilitated Discussion. If you'd like Ombuds assistance in facilitating a meeting, click here: Schedule an Ombuds-Facilitated Discussion.
For a younger or less experienced employee, assuming a leadership role can sometimes feel like the workplace equivalent of telling your parents to go to their room. Fortunately, youth or inexperience can actually be a secret strength. Learn how to build trust when young or inexperienced with this article, Four Strategies (PDF, 128kb).