Bulletin Articles

Videoconferencing and creativity: a wobbly coupling

Creativity is one of the five values of CERN. That’s why, when I heard on my favourite radio programme that Nature had published an article on the impact of virtual interactions on creativity, I reached out to the online journal to find out more about this piece of research.

<a href="/taxonomy/term/70" hreflang="en">Code of Conduct</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/73" hreflang="en">Teamwork</a>

The cost of conflicts

Conflict is part of workplace life. It is unavoidable and inescapable because we all have different expectations and needs. There are numerous well known causes of conflict.

<a href="/taxonomy/term/71" hreflang="en">Conflict management</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/68" hreflang="en">Ombuds role</a>

Leadership – easier said than done

In his 2020 annual report, my predecessor in the Ombud’s office asks a challenging question: “Why are relations with the hierarchy the number one source of conflicts reported to the Ombud’s Office?”

<a href="/taxonomy/term/69" hreflang="en">Managing people</a>

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 ...

<a href="/taxonomy/term/67" hreflang="en">Self management</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/73" hreflang="en">Teamwork</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/66" hreflang="en">Communication</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/71" hreflang="en">Conflict management</a>

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

<a href="/taxonomy/term/68" hreflang="en">Ombuds role</a>

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).

<a href="/taxonomy/term/68" hreflang="en">Ombuds role</a>

When respect is missing

The respect that others show us, like esteem, is part of our dignity, so it’s no wonder that we’re so taken aback and upset when it’s missing.

<a href="/taxonomy/term/75" hreflang="en">Respect</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/67" hreflang="en">Self management</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/69" hreflang="en">Managing people</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/66" hreflang="en">Communication</a>

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.

<a href="/taxonomy/term/65" hreflang="en">Diversity</a>

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

<a href="/taxonomy/term/69" hreflang="en">Managing people</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/67" hreflang="en">Self management</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/66" hreflang="en">Communication</a>

Be an active bystander – the four Ds

I recently took part in a training session, on Zoom – where else these days? – that I found extremely useful and recommend that you all attend as soon as you can. This is all about being an active bystander and contributing to create a culture of respect.

<a href="/taxonomy/term/72" hreflang="en">Harassment</a>, <a href="/taxonomy/term/67" hreflang="en">Self management</a>