Tag: Communication
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How to get along better
How to get along better I often hear people say "I don't like conflict. I want to avoid it”, or “I don’t want to hear about it". When conflict arises, we often see it as a failure. In such cases, it is worth asking ourselves whether the conflict could have been avoided and whether the
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Social interaction, an essential factor for well-being at work
Social interaction, an essential factor for well-being at work The initiative to come and see the Ombud often arises from a feeling of being alone and isolated, or even excluded from a team or a network of relationships. A lack of support from colleagues or managers or a lack of positive interaction can become a
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The benefits of collaborative communication
The benefits of collaborative communication Although humans are naturally collaborative, collaboration can sometimes require a conscious effort. In an environment of different generations, professions and cultures, such as that of an international organisation like CERN, collaboration can be as much a challenge as an asset. In my first year as Ombud, I have become aware
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The power of mediation
The power of mediation Mediation in the workplace has many advantages, in both the short and the long term. Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of working life. A conflict may seem trivial and unimportant at first but, over time, a “blame game” can develop, with each party making accusations about the other. The
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Practice responding instead of reacting
Practice responding instead of reacting In this age of instant communication, we tend to react immediately to any situation without taking time to assess what is at stake for all concerned, the emotions triggered and the long-term consequences for working relationships. In my work as Ombud, people often ask me about written communication, especially e-mails,
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First steps in the world of work
First steps in the world of work As the new CERN Ombud, I attended the information session for all new employed and associated members of the CERN personnel held on 11 June. There, I had the opportunity to meet students who were taking their first steps in the world of work. They were enthusiastic and
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Learning – or relearning – the art of dialogue
Learning – or relearning – the art of dialogue I took up my new functions as Ombud at the beginning of May, after 35 years in various administrative support and advisory roles at CERN. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor in the role, Laure Esteveny, and to thank those who have recently
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A brain-friendly approach to providing feedback
A brain-friendly approach to providing feedback Much has been written by my Ombud predecessors, at this time of the year when performance reviews take place, on how to approach these discussions and how to provide feedback, whether top-down or bottom-up. You may wish to have another look at their analysis and advice, which remain very
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The harm that misunderstandings can cause
The harm that misunderstandings can cause The origin of the word “misunderstanding” is clear: it combines the prefix “mis-”, meaning badly or wrongly, with the noun “understanding”. So a misunderstanding is when something has been understood wrongly. Very often in the Ombud’s Office, when visitors come to see me about a conflict and we explore
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Need to step in to defuse a conflict?
Need to step in to defuse a conflict? The core of the Ombud’s mandate is to help resolve interpersonal disputes in a consensual and impartial manner. To this end, the Ombud offers mediation services, which can take the form of a facilitated conversation, shuttle mediations (good offices) or more in-depth, structured mediation. Mediation may seem