The Ombuds Office offers a variety of programs and workshops that focus on various aspects of conflict management. These programs can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a group and additional topics may be developed upon request. Contact the Ombudsperson for more information or to schedule a program.
Explains the role of the Ombuds and the services available.
How to prepare, organize and conduct a group dialogue as the facilitator.
How to prepare, organize and conduct a basic mediation.
Sometimes we encounter people in the workplace that bring out the worst in us. What can we learn from these situations? How best can we respond? This program will dive into difficult behaviors we come across, examine how to change our perspective, and discuss strategies to cope.
Hard conversations are those discussions and confrontations that we dread. We avoid addressing the issue because we are afraid it will go terribly wrong, and we will be left with a worse situation. Issues will fester until someone overreacts, or other damage is done. This program will provide tools for how to prepare for such a conversation.
Most of us consider workplace bullying to be yelling, threatening and intimidating behaviors. But, a lot of the time, bullying is passive-aggressive and targets are popular and competent individuals. This program will identify what workplace bullying is and how to best address it.
How do you determine which conversations are worth having? Not all issues require a discussion. Sometimes, it is smarter to NOT have a conversation and choose a different route. This program will examine how to determine whether having a conversation is the wisest choice.
Where there is contempt and hostility, there are often negative thoughts and behaviors that create a vicious cycle. This program will present a framework to consider our judgments and actions so we can choose a more constructive route.
This program offers techniques for uncovering individual and group interests in order to reach collaborative solutions.
How Do You (and Others) Respond to Conflict
Everyone responds to conflict differently: some want to win at all costs, others avoid conflict all together, and some fall somewhere in-between. This program includes a conflict management style assessment, debriefing on the differing styles and how they affect our encounters.
Boundaries help define who we are and who we are not. For leaders, boundaries help achieve the performance that is desired. This program will address how to take responsibility and ownership of our own lives through setting healthy physical, emotional, and mental boundaries.
Everyone wants to feel heard. In order to move forward, it helps for someone to feel validated and acknowledged. This program offers techniques that help you validate and acknowledge what someone is saying and also ensure you understand fully and accurately the message being delivered.
How to Respond and Not React to De-escalate Tense Encounters
When faced with an emotionally charged person, it is hard to remain calm and present in order to resolve the issue at hand. This program offers ways to respond in order to de-escalate difficult situations and people.
How to Remain Effective No Matter How Hot Things Get
This two-part program dives into the nature of high heat meetings and explores ways of being that help us facilitate in spite of the heat..
How to Respect Yourself and Others by Communicating Assertively
Assertive communication is clear, direct and straightforward communication about your feelings, thoughts and wishes. It is a healthier style of communication, rather than a passive or aggressive style, as it effectively expresses your feeling and opinions while respecting others. This style can be learned and practiced to help you maintain self-confidence, earn respect and gain more job satisfaction.
Leadership principles regarding speaking your mind and creating a safe space for others to express themselves.