Communication

Active listening – from sponge to trampoline

We think that we may be actively listening to someone ..but are we really?  I would like to share with you how difficult active listening can be and how we can improve this highly useful skill. 

A brain-friendly approach to providing feedback

In this article, I would like to offer another perspective on providing feedback, using neuroscience lessons on how the brain reacts to it

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. 

Need to step in to defuse a conflict?

Conflicts need to be caught in their very early stages and can sometimes flare up so quickly that planning mediation by the Ombud is not the most effective way to address them.

Coping with pervasive anxiety

Thursday, 28 July was Earth Overshoot Day – the date when humanity has consumed all the resources that the earth can sustainably produce for the entire year. When we are faced with this anxiety-inducing reality day after day, it’s easy to let ourselves be influenced and

The 4W repair kit for work relationships

How can we support members of our Laboratory in addressing conflict early on, before it reaches the Ombud’s Office?

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 ...

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.

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