Moving Past the Past and Into a Limitless Future: The Power of Discovery In the field of conflict resolution, parties typically spend much of their energy focusing on the past, thinking that this is a way to fix and solve the problem. Conversations quickly and easily shift into shaming or blaming each other for causing […]
Discovery: Growth and Possibility Through Conflict Read More »
Rewiring Conflict Through Effective Dialogue In conflict, the stakes are high. Tensions are palpable, and misunderstandings are often just one word away. Especially in organizational settings, the fallout from poor communication can ripple through teams, impact retention, stall innovation, and corrode trust. But what if we told you that one of the most essential
4 Steps to Effective Dialogue Read More »
In the field of conflict resolution, we often talk about communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving techniques. But there’s one factor that too often operates in the background that silently shapes behavior, triggers emotional reactions, and influences whether a resolution actually sticks: dignity. Dr. Donna Hicks, a conflict resolution expert and longtime facilitator in international peace-building
Conflict Resolution: 4 Ways to Put Dignity First Read More »
You’ve conducted a culture audit. Now what? You’ve gathered the data, sent the surveys, and held the interviews. Maybe you even mapped the system and looked at patterns of inclusion, equity, or interpersonal dynamics. A culture audit can be an illuminating process, like turning on the lights in a room you’ve always walked through in
Culture Audit: How to Turn Insights into Strategic Action Read More »
Investing in your employees through development and engagement initiatives is not just a best practice – it’s a powerful strategy for mitigating significant Human Capital Risk. This risk, which encompasses the potential loss of valuable talent and their contributions, can silently erode an organization’s strength. However, by proactively focusing on the growth and well-being of
Human Capital Risk: 4 Power Tips for Investing in Your People Read More »
Effective talent is the engine of business success, yet inherent risks within our interactions can silently erode an organization’s potential. Human Capital Risk, stemming from the unpredictable nature of workplace dynamics, can significantly impact your ability to achieve objectives, goals, and your very mission. These risks can manifest in high turnover, inefficiency, poor financial health,
The Silent Drain: Mitigating Human Capital Risk at Work Read More »
It’s not just what’s said in meetings – it’s also what’s missed. Most organizations don’t realize how much their meetings say about their culture – everything from setting the agenda to the energy in the room. Is there active engagement or does the room tend to fill with dramatic silences? When meetings feel “off” it’s
Dialogue & Meeting Facilitators: A Fix for Human Capital Risk Read More »
Human capital risk isn’t just about turnover and who quits – it’s about what gets lost, before and as the talent leaves. Conflict. Burnout. Disengagement. Microaggressions. Silos. Missed feedback loops. These are often the quiet tremors that signal deeper human capital risks within an organization. Left unaddressed, they compound while silently undermining retention, morale, innovation,
Organizational Ombuds: Reduce Human Capital Risk Read More »
“You don’t rise to the level of your strategy. You fall to the level of your relationships.” Organizations often have risk management protocols for cyber threats, legal exposure, or financial volatility, but do they assess the elements that shape their human capital risk? Unfortunately, these risks are rarely named and discussed, let alone addressed. Unresolved
Human Capital Risk: 5 Steps to Resolve Conflict & Protect the Bottom Line Read More »
“It’s not the change itself – it’s the conversation that never happened.” Change management is often framed as a technical or strategic challenge. But beneath every shift in structure, process, or direction lies a quieter, deeper terrain: the human experience of change. When people resist transitions, it’s rarely about laziness or stubbornness. More often, it’s
Change Management & Conflict: What Teams Don’t Say Out Loud Read More »
In today’s workplaces, change isn’t the exception – it’s the norm. Whether driven by digital transformation, shifting markets, internal restructuring, or social pressures, change is rapid, recurring, and complex. Yet in the rush to adapt, organizations often forget the most essential element in the system: the humans experiencing the change. Human-centered change isn’t soft or
Human-Centered Change: 10 Powerful Strategies for Positive Impact Read More »
In times of workplace change and uncertainty, the role of leadership becomes paramount. When the landscape feels shifting and the path ahead unclear, your team will look to you for direction, reassurance, and a steady head at the helm. Leading with clarity isn’t about having all the answers, but about providing a guiding light that
Leading with Clarity Read More »
If you’ve ever driven through dense fog, you know the disorienting feeling of not knowing what’s coming next. Your instinct is to slow down, grip the wheel tighter, and listen closely to your surroundings. Leading through change can feel the same. Whether it is a merger, restructuring, rapid growth, or a shift in strategy, clarity
Leading Through Change: Guiding Teams Through the Fog Read More »
The only constant in today’s workplace? Change. Whether it’s a shift in company strategy, a new technology implementation, or broader industry disruptions, uncertainty can feel unsettling. But instead of feeling like a small boat tossed in a stormy sea, you can equip yourself with a personal toolkit to navigate these transitions with greater resilience and
Your Resilience Toolkit: 5 Ways to Thrive in Times of Workplace Change Read More »
Leadership is not defined by the exercise of power but the capacity to increase the sense of power among those led. – Mary Parker Follet There is a special kind of energy when a team is truly in sync. There exists a flow state. Meetings feel purposeful, ideas bounce freely, and challenges get tackled with
Good to Great: Practical Ways Leaders Spark Team Synergy Read More »
“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Barnard Shaw There’s a moment in every team where the room goes quiet with an uncomfortable sort of silence or where the room becomes extremely chaotic. This happens because people have stopped listening. Maybe someone’s repeating their point for
The Missing Piece: Team Synergy Through Listening Read More »
As the days lengthen and a more relaxed energy fills the air, June presents a fantastic opportunity to cultivate a similar sense of harmonious productivity within teams. Achieving “Summer Synergy” in the workplace means fostering strong team communication and collaboration to reach collective goals, whether pushing towards mid-year targets or embarking on new initiatives. When
Unlock Your Team’s Potential: “Summer Synergy” Through Collaboration Read More »
You’ve probably heard of Executive Coaching but aren’t clear of the advantages. I’d like to help clarify, based on the many times I’ve helped leaders improve their skills and radically improve their team’s dynamics.: Today’s leadership requires more than just technical expertise—it demands emotional intelligence, clear communication, and a deep understanding of how to foster
Executive Coaching: A Powerful Tool for Strategic Leadership Read More »
In today’s increasingly complex workplaces, where differing perspectives intersect and hybrid work environments are becoming the norm, organizations must navigate an evolving landscape of communication, conflict, and culture. Cultivating harmony isn’t just a philosophy—it’s what drives a successful and enduring business. And a critical and often overlooked role that ensures this vision is translated into
The Vital Role of the Ombuds: Fostering Harmony in Organizations Read More »
In today’s diverse and dynamic work environments, fostering a culture of respect and civility is paramount. An organizational ombuds plays a crucial role in promoting workplace civility by providing a confidential, neutral, and informal resource for employees to voice concerns, resolve conflicts, and navigate challenges. The ombuds assists employees and managers in addressing workplace issues
How the Ombuds Promotes Civility Read More »
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Kimberly Jackson Davidson is currently the University Ombudsperson at George Mason University and member of the Harmony Strategies Group. She spent two decades at Oberlin College in Ohio, holding positions in the Office of the Dean of Students and as Visiting Lecturer in African American Studies. During her final five and a half years there, she served all campus constituencies as Ombudsperson and Director of the Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue (YBCD). Davidson is active within the International Ombuds Association (IOA), the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds (CCCUO), and the Ombuds Section of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR). She earned a B.A. in English Literature from Spelman College in 1986 and an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in African Literature in 1991.
Hector Escalante is an experienced Ombuds and learning and development professional with over seven years of ombuds experience and over twenty years of experience developing and teaching course offerings which promote inclusion, healthy communication, and conflict resolution. He is the Director of the Ombuds Office at the University of California, Merced, having served many years as the organizational ombuds at the University of the Pacific. He is an ombuds partner with Harmony Strategies Group, and a consulting ombuds for Earthjustice and Union of Concerned Scientists. Hector holds two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran, a husband and father to four children. Hector’s passions include treating all with fairness, equity, dignity, and compassion and good food.
Kira Nurieli is the CEO of the Harmony Strategies Group and is an expert mediator, conflict coach, trainer/facilitator, consultant, and restorative practices facilitator. She has spent upwards of twenty years helping clients handle conflict and improve communication strategies and has presented at numerous conferences and symposia as a subject matter expert. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Performance from Barnard College. She especially enjoys helping individuals, teams, and lay-leaders become more impactful and empowered in their work and is honored to work alongside her esteemed colleagues with the Harmony Strategies Group.
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Drop us a line for a FREE 15 minute consultation to help you handle your conflict or challenge!
Glad to help you out – please fill in the form below, so we can get started!
