Ombuds Blog

In our everyday conflicts, we often overcomplicate apologies. We pile on justifications, hoping to soften the blow, but end up sounding like we’re excusing ourselves. The best apologies reflect the spirit of this story and follow a simple 3-step formula. Read more to find out how to apologize well and create space for reconciliation.

There’s something about a good story that makes us repeat it and draw lessons from it. Unfortunately, the lessons drawn from a good story aren’t always what the story intended. Such is the case with the Gordian Knot. Read more to learn about the wisdom in bold decision making.

Are you unsure about your relationship with your supervisor, students, or colleagues? This post is the first in a series exploring the questions, trust, and skills that can help us gain the clarity—and relief—we need.

You and I might not be world-class athletes, but there are many lessons we can adopt from Olympians and apply those in the workplace to achieve more consistent peak performance.

Challenges are part of the human condition. What creates conflict is in direct relation to your expectations. A critical factor that determines how we experience conflict is the distinction between “must” rules and “should” rules that we have for ourselves, and others. Read to learn more!

As winter descends upon us, we have ample opportunity to engage in self-reflection. Read about the benefits of the practice and some question prompts to help you get started this season.

When we are in disagreement with someone, and we are in a state of fear, we tend to avoid, accommodate or amplify the conflict. At best, we compromise out of fear. Learn some strategies to combat this common response.

Learn more about how to move yourself out of procrastination with the if/then approach through an unlikely story about m&m's.

New year. New beginnings. It’s that time of year when we typically look at the past and hope for a better future.

Find a willingness and ability to be open to dialogue about the pressing issues of the day.

When we want to create new habits, we have to be more conscious about what we are doing in order to change the behavior. Read more to learn some tips on how to do this!

Responding to change involves adopting two core beliefs. Read more to learn about these beliefs and how to adapt to the unexpected.

Read about how to find a challenge that is enough of a “stretch” for our capabilities but not too far that we become overwhelmed.

Learn about how to navigate anger to create a more positive outcome for everyone.

Did you hear it? Both Virginia Tech Ombuds were interviewed by Stacks on Stacks, a weekly radio broadcast from the University Libraries at Tech.

Want to know a secret? There’s something successful individuals have in common that got them the results they got. Read more!

If you missed the Mind Hacks series, review some of the highlights here!

Please review this telecommuting checklist to consider benefits and downsides of telecommuting.

Better response and better communications.

Learn about four commitment pillars of relationships.

Finding a healthy way to talk politics.

Join us December 16th for a workshop on navigating disappointment.

Explore how we can create change for the better in seasons of desperation.

I’ve stumbled upon the secret of fulfillment. Read to find out more!

Join us October 29 for a session on creating space for effective dialogue!

How a small shift in our response to conversations and communication can make a world of difference.