The Ombuds Office at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus provides a forum for prompt, impartial, and confidential discussion.
The Ombuds Office at the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus provides an alternative forum for prompt, impartial, and confidential discussion for individuals to review options for the informal resolution of differences. Contacting the Ombuds Office is a voluntary process and neither the office nor any other entity or person may compel a visitor to utilize its services. We assis
10/26/2022
During the past few months, has explored the dangers and virtues of gossip. Is it time for no-gossip policies? Read on and decide for yourself.
The Gossip Train: Is it Time for a No-Gossip Policy? The Gossip Train is the University of Colorado Ombuds’ series of blog posts and lunch and learns on all things gossip. We will explore the origins of gossip, why we gossip, the joys and dangers of …
10/12/2022
We’re not new to people talking about us – think back as far as even elementary school and you probably remember getting intel on yourself. We most likely engaged in this practice as well, sharing secrets and observations about our classmates. Now that we’re adults, what’s changed? Not much. Our need to connect through gossip is human nature – having connection with others binds us....
The Gossip Train: What if the Office is Talking About You? We’re not new to people talking about us – think back as far as even elementary school and you probably remember getting intel on yourself. We most likely engaged in this practice as well, sharing …
09/14/2022
As we write this gossip series, I have been thinking about the relationship between gossip and my ombuds work. It has made me realize some of my most impactful work has been the result of gossip. Here is an example (I changed the names to maintain confidentiality): I worked with a smaller department that relied on team collaboration. One day, one of the team members, Mary, decided to share her experience with another team member, Marcus....
The Gossip Train: How Gossip Can Help Ombuds Work As we write this gossip series, I have been thinking about the relationship between gossip and my ombuds work. It has made me realize some of my most impactful work has been the result of gossip.&n…
08/31/2022
In the workplace context, business leaders warn that gossip is dangerous and harmful. They suggest it’s a threat to an organizations’ health and stability because it decreases morale and wastes employee’s time. However, despite its bad reputation and what we shared in the previous two Ombuzz posts The Gossip Train: A Vicious Cycle and The Gossip Train: The Dark Side…...
The Gossip Train: Hidden Virtues In the workplace context, business leaders warn that gossip is dangerous and harmful. They suggest it’s a threat to an organizations’ health and stability because it decreases morale and wastes emp…
08/17/2022
Gossip is a social tool that has survived generations and is used to navigate social settings. Unfortunately, critical workplace gossip can have intended and unintended negative consequences. Let's take a look.
The Gossip Train: The Dark Side “Did you hear Chris is sleeping with the boss?” “Pat is a racist.” “Taylor is out sick AGAIN. I heard they have a drinking problem.” “Director Smith missed the deadline. I’ve heard they are truly i…
08/03/2022
Check out the 3rd post in our series on gossip! This post focuses on how gossip can lead to and perpetuate conflict.
The Gossip Train: A Vicious Cycle The Gossip Train is a series of blog posts on all things gossip. We are exploring what gossip is, why we gossip, the positive and negative impacts of gossip, and what you should and could do when i…
07/28/2022
Ombuzz is celebrating over 100 blog posts! Help us celebrate and check out our 5 top viewed posts!
Help Us Celebrate 100 Blog Posts! Help us celebrate 100 Ombuzz blog posts and check out our 5 top viewed posts!
07/26/2022
We all gossip. But why? Check out the second installment of "The Gossip Train", an Ombuzz blog series about gossip in organizations. Perhaps you have a few insights of your own to share!
The Gossip Train: Why do we gossip? “Hey, did you hear about Chris?” “I heard Mel is going to quit!” “Do you know how much Pat is making?” “Rumor has it the department is restructuring.” “Sam said there will be layoffs.” Admit it, it…
07/07/2022
Pssst! Did you hear? The University of Colorado Ombuds Offices are collaborating on a blog series about gossip. It’s called The Gossip Train: A series about gossip in organizations. Stay tuned for installments during the next few months. Today’s post focuses on the definition. What exactly is gossip? Most likely, if you are in a workplace with more than two people, you’ve got gossip!...
The Gossip Train: A series about gossip in organizations. Pssst! Did you hear? The University of Colorado Ombuds Offices are collaborating on a blog series about gossip. It’s called The Gossip Train: A series about gossip in organizations. Stay tuned for …
06/27/2022
Have you ever been shocked or surprised about what is being said during a work meeting and not sure how to respond? If so, this blog post from CU Ombuds Melissa Connell is for you!
The Power of the Intentional Pause Have you ever been shocked or surprised about what is being said during a work meeting and not sure how to respond? If so, this blog post from CU Ombuds Melissa Connell is for you! In less than 5 m…
06/08/2022
Ombuds breaks down a definition of conflict to show just how conflicts can emerge. Pausing to be curious before things escalate can make all the difference.
What Is Conflict? Many of us would like to understand conflict better – whether it is to avoid, prevent, or navigate it more productively. One way to better understand conflict is to know what it is. In their …
