Self-Help Resources

The Language of Dispute Resolution

When you are involved in a dispute, the words you use, your tone of voice, and your overall demeanor will make a big difference in whether your views are understood and appreciated by the other party. The Ombuds Office at the University of Colorado has some excellent suggestions for you to consider.

Writing a Letter to Someone Who Has Harassed or Offended You

If you are considering writing a letter to someone who has harassed or offended you, the Ombuds Office at MIT has developed a draft letter that you may wish to review. Further thoughts on drafting such a letter have been developed by Ombuds Office at the University of Colorado. The Ombuds Office at the University of Michigan is available to discuss, confidentially, the pros and cons of sending such a letter and to react to your thoughts about the contents of such a letter.

Problem Prevention

These suggestions are designed to help you prevent problems from occurring or to make problems easier to resolve:

Dealing with a Difficult Problem: Some Tips

There is no magic formula for resolving a difficult problem with some part of the University. Here are some suggestions are designed to give you information about the nature of problems and provide you with ways to try to resolve them. Remember that the Ombuds Office is here to help you with difficult situations. You should never hesitate to contact us.

Excellent Resources to Improve Dispute Resolution Skills

The following books are available:

• Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most
  by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen, Roger Fisher
• Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
  by Roger Fisher and William Ulry
• Getting Ready to Negotiate: The Getting to Yes Workbook
  by Roger Fisher and Danny Ertel
• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion
  by Marshall Rosenberg