Ombuds Blog
View the latest posts, topics, and resources for the university community.
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Being Decisive but Not Reckless: The Legend of the Gordian Knot , articleThere’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.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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What am I doing wrong? An Intro to the Art of Asking for Feedback , articleAre 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.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Preparing for the Unexpected , articleYou 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.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Your Expectations Determine How You Experience Conflict: “Must” versus “Shoulds” , articleChallenges 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!
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Winter Beckons Us to Self-Reflect , articleAs 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.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Overcoming Fear in Conflict , articleWhen 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.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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M&M’s and a Commitment to Take Action , articleLearn more about how to move yourself out of procrastination with the if/then approach through an unlikely story about m&m's.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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The Transformative Power of Words in Managing Conflict , articleEver wondered about the types of techniques that can be used to escalate or de-escalate conflict? Read this blog post about a single technique that can help you navigate conflict.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Transforming our Relationship to Conflict , articleNew year. New beginnings. It’s that time of year when we typically look at the past and hope for a better future.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Civil Discourse , articleFind a willingness and ability to be open to dialogue about the pressing issues of the day.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Creatures of Habit , articleWhen 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!
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Adapting to Unexpected Changes , articleResponding to change involves adopting two core beliefs. Read more to learn about these beliefs and how to adapt to the unexpected.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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The Goldilocks Zone and Productivity , articleRead about how to find a challenge that is enough of a “stretch” for our capabilities but not too far that we become overwhelmed.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Managing Anger , articleLearn about how to navigate anger to create a more positive outcome for everyone.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Stacks on Stacks: An Interview with Ombuds Officers , articleDid you hear it? Both Virginia Tech Ombuds were interviewed by Stacks on Stacks, a weekly radio broadcast from the University Libraries at Tech.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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The Secret to your SCCS , articleWant to know a secret? There’s something successful individuals have in common that got them the results they got. Read more!
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Student Conflict Coaching Series , articleLearn about this three part series on conflict coaching and register to reserve your spot!
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Mind Hacks: A Better Campus Experience , articleIf you missed the Mind Hacks series, review some of the highlights here!
Date: Apr 14 - -
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A Telecommuting Checklist , articlePlease review this telecommuting checklist to consider benefits and downsides of telecommuting.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Mind Hacks: Putting Our Feelings Into Words , articleBetter response and better communications.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Mind Hack: Dealing with lions, tigers and bears , articlePart One – The Problem With Our Brains
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Creating LUCK in Communications , articleLearning to Listen to Understand & Create Kinship.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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The Relationship You Deserve , articleLearn about four commitment pillars of relationships.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Bridge Building: Speaking the Unspoken with Civility , articleFinding a healthy way to talk politics.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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The Gift of Desperation , articleJoin us December 16th for a workshop on navigating disappointment.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Creating Change , articleExplore how we can create change for the better in seasons of desperation.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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The Secret to Fulfillment , articleI’ve stumbled upon the secret of fulfillment. Read to find out more!
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Art of Communication , articleJoin us October 29 for a session on creating space for effective dialogue!
Date: Apr 14 - -
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The Great Pumpkin , articleExamining our beliefs is not an easy undertaking but can be a powerful thing.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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The Space Between , articleHow a small shift in our response to conversations and communication can make a world of difference.
Date: Apr 14 - -
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Roommate Conflicts , articleThings to talk about with your off-campus roommate (Especially in these times of COVID-19)
Date: Apr 14 -