Episode 5: Transforming Workplace Conflict Across Generations with Ombuds Amy Sereday
Summary
In this episode, conflict resolution expert Amy Sereday shares what it means to be an ombuds: a confidential, impartial resource who helps people navigate workplace challenges. She discusses the key skills needed for the role, like empathetic listening and perspective-taking, and explains why intergenerational conflict and conflict avoidance are growing concerns in the workplace. She touches on the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and promoting conflict resolution skills early in life.
Timestamp
00:00 - Introduction
02:05 - What is an Ombuds
03:00 - What are the skills needed for this roles
04:00 - The biggest challenge organizations are facing today
05:45 - Educating individuals on identifying patterns for conflict prevention
07:15 - Providing individuals tangible tools for sustainable solution
10:41 - Questions on neutrality and confidentiality especially in the role of an ombuds
12:25 - The parameters and exceptions to confidentiality
13:55 - Discussing how biases play a role in her work
16:25 - What people get wrong about ombduds work
17:55 - What surprised her the most about doing this work
19:15 - Are we going in the right direction as a society
22:25 - The rise of conflict avoidance in the younger generation
24:40 - Advice when it comes to dealing with difficult conversations
25:50 - How to create capacity building on a global level
27:25 - Conflict resolution and restorative justice practices in schools
28:00 - Self-care for a peace of mind
30:00 - Ideas of a curriculum, course or program, to better support the work
32:35 - Main takeaway
Concepts and Frameworks featured:
Intergenerational conflicts, ombudsing, mediation, neutrality, confidentiality, conflict avoidance, restorative justice, conflict resolution
About the guest:
Amy Sereday is a 2015 graduate of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program at Columbia University, returning to her alma mater as a lecturer. Amy also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Western Connecticut State University and a post-baccalaureate certificate in Paralegal Studies from the University of Hartford. Amy is currently serving as Springfield College's inaugural Ombuds. In addition to her work as an organizational ombuds, Amy shares her experience in elder law and disability mediation and consultancy. Current areas of professional focus are DEIA in organizations, conflict prevention through capacity building, CMM, and group dialogue and decision-making processes. Amy teaches Conflict Analysis Models and Frameworks and Fundamentals of Ombuds Practice in the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution program at Columbia University.
