Category: Article
-
The two faces of Janus
The two faces of Janus When I took on the role of CERN Ombud, I was not prepared to encounter what I now call the “Janus” effect. Let me give you two examples*: Adam comes to my office to share his difficulties with his supervisor, Sandra: “She’s such an ill-minded, manipulative person. She takes all
-
2021 Annual Report by the Ombud – let’s talk!
2021 Annual Report by the Ombud – let’s talk! The 11th Annual Report by the Ombud is now available on CDS at this address and will soon be published on the Ombud’s website, where you can also find all of my predecessors’ reports since 2011. I hope you enjoy reading it. The annual report, which
-
Values and principles of the Ombud’s profession: what are they for?
Values and principles of the Ombud’s profession: what are they for? You may know that the CERN Ombud is a member of the International Ombuds Association (IOA). Originally founded in the USA, the IOA promotes the profession of ombud all over the world. One pillar of the IOA’s mission is the establishment of a set
-
When respect is missing
When respect is missing It’s rare that visitors to the Ombud’s office complain about the outcome of administrative decisions. There are many types of decision that can impact someone’s career, from not awarding a contract or a promotion to rejecting or imposing internal mobility, or a refusal to grant the requested resources. Such decisions are
-
Being a woman at CERN back in 1990
Being a woman at CERN back in 1990 On Tuesday, March 8, we celebrated International Women’s Day. It is my pleasure to write an article from the Ombud’s corner on this occasion. I have been working at CERN for 36 years now and, trust me, I’ve seen major progress in the working environment for women.
-
Asking questions to clarify expectations
Asking questions to clarify expectations While the annual performance appraisal interviews are in full swing and thinking about my discussions on the subject with visitors to my office, I feel it’s appropriate to underline the importance of each party being open, honest, respectful and considerate and, in particular, of a clear agreement between the supervisor
-
Be an active bystander – the four Ds
Be an active bystander – the four Ds One really important aspect of the Ombud’s role is to stay abreast of the messages that are being passed to members of personnel in internal communications and, in particular, via the Learning & Development portfolio. I recently took part in a training session, on Zoom – where
-
Why didn’t you tell me before?
Why didn’t you tell me before? Some visitors to the Ombud’s Office tell me they don’t feel entirely comfortable expressing their ideas, concerns and opinions within their team or to their supervisor or project leader. The thing is, such teams are probably losing out on early warnings of risks, game-changing ideas and thought-provoking views on
-
Three powerful tools to meet the challenges of 2022!
Three powerful tools to meet the challenges of 2022! As this brand new year starts, I would like to offer my best wishes, from the Ombud’s Office, for a healthy, happy and successful 2022! In addition to such traditional (and highly appreciated) wishes, what else could we wish each other as colleagues? Looking back on
-
Each and every one of us matters
Each and every one of us matters Some visitors to the Ombud’s office tell me that they are “too insignificant” or “too low” in the chain of command for their opinion to really matter. Or they tell me they feel that, because they are an assistant or a technician, there’s a difference in attitude towards