Olympic Athlete Ombuds in the News

John Ruger, the athlete Ombuds for the United States Olympic Committee, was recently quoted in stories related to proselytizing by the US archery coach, an emergency appeal by swimmer Tara Kirk, and Sheila Taormina's attempt to qualify for the pentathalon. (NY Times; Swimming World Magazine; Law.com.)

Related posts: USOC Ombuds: Anti-Doping System Snares Innocent Athletes; US Olympic Ombuds Helps Athletes in Conflict.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Names Interim Faculty Ombuds

UTK has appointed William Bradshaw, Ph.D., an Interim Faculty Ombudsperson while efforts continue to restructure the office. Bradshaw is an associate professor in the College of Social Work where his research concentrates on Mental health and family services. He earned his M.S.W. from St. Louis University and Doctorate from the University of Southern California. Meanwhile, Faculty Affairs Committee is considering policy changes that would permit hiring "a professional ombudsperson." (UTK Ombuds Office; Faculty Profile; Faculty Affairs Cmte Minutes; Recommendations for Restructuring Faculty Ombuds Office; History of UTK Ombuds Program.)

Job Posting: Maryland Courts

The Maryland Judiciary has issued a request for proposals for an Ombuds to serve approximately 300-400 employees of the courts and related agencies. The Ombuds will report directly to the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court and will be provided with separate, private offices. The RFP requires applicants to have Ombuds experience and mediation training. Proposals are due by noon on August 29, 2008. (MD Judiciary Dept of Procurement; Ombuds RFP.)

The Maryland Judiciary is the only court system with an Organizational Ombuds program. Meanwhile, Maryland as a state generates more than its expected share of Ombuds news.

Related posts: Editorial Urges Student Ombuds for University of Maryland; Howard County Schools Hires New Ombuds and Plans New Limits on Authority; Maryland Considering School Bullying Ombuds; New Ombuds for Queen Anne Public Schools.

Three Ombuds Organizations to Hold Joint Conference in April 2009

Three North American Ombuds groups -- The Association of Canadian College and University Ombudspersons, The Forum of Canadian Ombudsman, and The International Ombudsman Association -- will convene next Spring to celebrate the bicentennial of the Ombuds profession. The conference, "Evolution of the Ombudsman [1809-2009]: A Rich History, A Promising Future," will take place April 15-18, 2009, in Montreal. Sessions will encourage interdisciplinary dialog and sharing best practices. Potential presenters should note that the Joint Conference Planning Committee is accepting session proposals through Friday September 26, 2008. (FCO Conf Info; IOA Conf Info.)

Related posts: IOI Newsletter Announces 2009 Conference in Sweden; Details of 35th Annual Cal Caucus; USOA Annual Conference in Lexington.

New Ombuds at Ramapo College

The public liberal arts and professional studies college in New Jersey has appointed John L. Woods, Jr., as its first Ombuds. Woods is an experienced ADR practitioner and recently served as the Chief Mediator and head of the ADR division for a Federal Agency. He is also an adjunct professor, author and lecturer on issues concerning labor, employment, organizational development, conflict management and dispute resolution. Woods earned his Bachelors Degree from the SUNY Albany, a Masters from New York University, and a JD from Howard University School of Law. (Ramapo Ombuds Office.)

Prior: Job Posting.

Job Re-Posting: LSU AgCenter

The Louisiana State University Agriculture Center has extended the deadline for its newly-created, half-time Ombuds position. Applications are now due September 5. (LSU AgCenter.)

Prior: Job Posting.

UC Berkeley Appoints Ombuds for Students

After an internal search, the University of California, Berkeley has named Marcia Gee Riley as the Director and Ombuds for Students and Postdoctoral Appointees. Previously, Riley was Cal's Director of Student Involvement. Riley is replacing Carmen McKinnes, who retired in June. (UCB Org Chart; News Brief.)

Prior posts: Berkeley Ombuds for Students Retires; Internal Job Posting.

Lessons from Mediation: The Importance of Follow-Up

Mediator John Ford has come to consider follow-up an essential part of workplace mediation, where the parties have worked out new behavioral arrangements. As he describes it, "In many ways, mediators are like coaches, asking the accountability questions, while leaving decision making and implementation responsibility where it belongs-with the participants themselves." This is entirely consistent with the role of Organizational Ombuds, who will glean some insights from his techniques. (Mediate.com.)

MoFo Partner Backs Ombuds as Remedy for Micro-Inequities

Eric Tate, a prominent attorney and partner at megafirm Morrison & Foerster, recently says everyone has experienced “micro-inequities” in the workplace, and he is no exception. (The term was first coined by Mary Rowe, Ombuds at MIT, in 1973.) Speaking at the ABA Annual Meeting in New York City, Tate called for an awareness of the problem. Among other remedies, he said employers should appoint Ombuds to handle complaints. (ABA Journal; see also Rowe's JIOA Article.)

University of Texas Medical Branch Adopts New Ombuds Policy

With a candidate search still underway, UTMB has added a section to its institutional handbook covering the selection, role and responsibilities of the faculty Ombuds. The policy expressly states that the position is confidential, neutral, independent, and informal, and reports directly to the university president. The policy references UCOA standards (although it links to the IOA website). The position is limited to a one-year term and may be held only by "a highly respected non-UTMB tenured faculty member." A UTMB faculty blogger remains skeptical. (UTMB Policies; Texas Faculty Assn. Blog.)

Related: Job Posting.

IOA Unveils Revamped Website

The International Ombudsman Association dramatically upgraded its website last night. The new design keeps the purple and grey color theme, but now incorporates photos and graphics, and new links from the homepage. (IOA.)

Office of Thrift Supervision Ombuds Hiring Scores of Special Assistants

In the wake of the sub-prime mortgage crisis, the Office of Thrift Supervision is advertising for 54 Special Assistants to the Ombudsman. The Special Assistants will work to foster cooperation and communication between OTS, the banking industry, the public and special interest groups by assisting OTS managers and staff on customer service issues and OTS regulatory activities. The positions require experience in the financial services industry or federal banking regulation, but not conflict resolution. The Special Assistants will be based in cities across the country and will earn $61,563 to 131,175 per year. (USA Jobs, vacancy no.: 2008-0090.)

Related post: Office of Thrift Supervision Appoints Ombuds; Mortgage Crisis Draws in Ombuds.

Ombuds Training in Vancouver

IOA is offering introductory and advanced ombuds training in Vancouver, B.C., October 27-30. Courses include:

• Ombudsman 101 (Oct. 27-29) An introductory program for new ombudsman or those seeking information about the organizational ombudsman role.
• Ombudsman 101 Plus (Oct. 29) A special half-day program for organizations and entrepreneurs who want to get started.
• The Role of the Ombudsman in Organizational Change and Conflict (Oct. 28-29) Participants will understand change and conflict in organizations, the potential for being both monitors and managers of organizational conflict and the opportunity to serve as agents of proactive humanistic organizational transformation.
• Specialized Course: Fundamental Theories of Conflict Resolution and the Implications for Ombudsman Practice (Oct. 30) This course will examine several theories of conflict resolution and their practical implications for pragmatically intervening in difficult situations.

The course will be held at the Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown. Priority registration deadline is September 12. (IOA Training.)

Top Conversation Hacks

Lifehacker offers ten simple conversational skills to help you recognize what's really being said and help you lead the discussion your way.

10. Feign sincerity with eye contact and repetition.
9. End a conversation with body language.
8. Ask sensitive questions indirectly to skip awkwardness.
7. Use silence to win arguments and nail a negotiation.
6. Soften critiques with the sandwich method.
5. Say "no" gently—or say "yes, but...."
4. Ask questions well.
3. De-code office jargon.
2. "Pace and lead" an irate person.
1. Become a human lie detector.

Ombuds employ many of these techniques intuitively, but the list may be helpful for socially challenged visitors. (Lifehacker.)

Calls Continue for Google to Implement Ombuds

Google's recent launch of an online encyclopedia service, an area dominated by Wikipedia, has revived requests that the internet giant establish an Ombuds program. Industry experts are concerned that Google faces increasing conflicts of interest with its original function as unbiased search engine -– essential that Google may be tempted to point to Google content first. Danny Sullivan, editor in chief of Search Engine Land has proposed that Google hire an Ombuds to investigate ethical concerns and report back to the public. Although Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales wouldn’t want a mandated ombudsman, he says that “it would be good business sense for Google to offer.” (Christian Science Monitor; see also, Search Engine Roundtable.)

Related post: Privacy Expert Says Google Needs Ombuds.

Advice for Whistleblowers: Think Carefully and Talk to the Ombuds

Toronto management consultant Randall Craig says that blowing the whistle could have serious ramifications for your own career, as well as those you implicate. Before doing anything, he says, "make sure you've got your facts straight." Generally, there are three options available: ignore it, confront the person, or report the behavior. If employees choose to become a whistle blower, Craig recommends they use confidential hotline or consult a workplace Ombuds. (Working.com.)

Updated Standards for Peer Mediation Programs

The Association for Conflict Resolution has revised and expanded its “Recommended Standards for School-Based Peer Mediation Programs.” Originally published in 1996 the document is designed to establish model standards for peer mediator conduct and recommended standards for training (including professional development for adults), program evaluation, and program development & management. Although the standards are intended for K-12 programs, they can be adapted easily for use in other settings. (ACR Education Section.)

For Ombuds that manage or work with peer mediation programs, this is an essential publication.

Related posts: Perspective on Ethical Standards for Federal Mediators and Ombuds. See also: International Mediation Institute Draft Standards.

Plan Now for Third Annual Conflict Resolution Day

Conflict Resolution Day will be celebrated on October 16 -- the third Thursday in October. The Association for Conflict Resolution encourages people to do three simple things to spread the word:

• • Hang a Conflict Resolution Day poster in your office;
• • Hold an Open House to let people know about your services; and
• • Publicize your event and Conflict Resolution Day in the local press.

A poster for the annual event is available for download from the ACR website. In addition, ACR is publishing a list of 2008 activities. (Conflict Resolution Day.)

Organizational Ombuds should participate in this event as a growing and relevant part of the ADR community. This is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Brown University Ombuds Issues Second Annual Report

In her report covering May 2007 through April 2008, Faculty Ombuds Flora A. Keshgegian, Ph.D., reported a 20% increase in visitors. The report also marked the end of a two-year pilot program initiated by Brown's President, Ruth J. Simmons, and the Faculty Executive Committee. After an evaluation and review last fall, the university decided to make the office permanent. A search for a permanent Ombuds is underway. (Brown Ombuds' Annual Reports.)

Related: Job Posting.

Differentiating Between Constructive and Destructive Conflict

Mediator and conflict resolution coach Dr. Tammy Lenski offers pointers on recognizing whether conflict is healthy. Indicators of constructive conflict include:

• Forward movement in the conversation–even if it’s unfriendly;
• Parties seem reasonably comfortable; and
• Statements may be difficult to hear but are not meant to be harmful.

If a conflict is still positive, intervention might be premature. On the other hand, Lesinski says it is important for conflict professionals to recognize the warning signs of destructive conflict:

• Parties have become rigid in their positions;
• Direct communications are diminishing or absent;
• The dispute has become more about prevailing that the underlying issue;
• The dispute has begun to involve others; and
• Retaliation and attempts at coercion are becoming more frequent.

(Mediation Works Blog; Conflict Zen.)