
A curated collection of books, videos, and resources selected by the UT Ombuds team to support your understanding of conflict resolution, communication, and ombudsing.
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Strategies for More Constructive Interpersonal Communication
NEW: Visit the UT Ombuds Toolbox for Fostering a Curiosity Mindset
- Brown, B. TEDTalk The Power of Vulnerability–Video*
- Brown, B. Empathy vs Sympathy–Video Brown, B. (2015).
- Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead*
- Fisher, R., Ury, W. L., & Patton, B. (2011) Getting to Yes
- Hicks, D. (2011). Dignity: The Essential Role It Plays in Resolving Conflict* Emotional Intelligence 2.0*
- Hicks, D. TedxStoremont Declare Dignity–Video
- Patterson, K., Grenny, J.,McMillan, R.,Switzler, A.. (2011). Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High*
- Rosenberg, M. B. (2015). Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships*
- Voce, C. (2016). Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It
Leading Teams During Tension & Uncertainty
Book Recommendations
- Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead: Brave Work, Tough Conversations, Whole Heart*
- Castallo, R. T. (2017). Dealing with Dysfunction: A Guide for University Leaders
- Edmondson, A. (2019). The fearless organization*
- Hicks, D. (2018). Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People*
- Leoncioni, P. (2002). The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable*
- Runde, C. E & Flanagan T. A. (2013). Becoming a Conflict Competent Leader
- Runde, C. E & Flanagan T. A. (2018). Building Conflict Competent Teams*
- Scott, K. (2019). Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity*
Learn More About the Ombuds Profession
- International Ombuds Association (2022). How to Become an Ombuds
- Howard, C. (2011). The Organizational Ombudsman: Origins, Roles, and Operations: A Legal Guide. American Bar Association.
- Katz, N. H., Sosa, K. J., & Kovack, L. N. (2018).Ombuds and Conflict Resolution Specialists: Navigating Workplace Challenges in Higher Education. Journal of the International Ombudsman Association.
- Spitalniak, L. (2022). Ombuds offer colleges conflict resolution in a contentious time. Higher Ed Dive.
- Wajngurt, C. (2019). The Faculty Ombudsperson: Maintaining Civility and Academic Freedom in Higher Education. Journal of the International Ombudsman Association, 12(1).
Books with an asterisk (*) are available through the UT Library and are directly linked to the library catalog.