Understanding Organizational Ombuds Through Metaphors now new
By Zoe Doran, Program Coordinator
We’ve written a lot about what an organizational ombuds is, what they do, and the value they provide. Despite the enormous value they bring to organizations, ombuds are often met with blank stares when they share their job title. An ombuds is an independent, informal, impartial, and confidential resource that helps people constructively address issues within their organization. Ombuds wear many hats, and the role can sometimes feel abstract or hard to describe. Because of that, metaphors and visual imagery can make the work more tangible. Below are a few of my favorite metaphors for what an ombuds does.
Ombuds as a check-engine light
A check-engine light signals that a driver needs to visit a mechanic before they end up in an expensive and preventable situation. Similarly, ombuds are uniquely positioned to detect signs of poor organizational health or developing tensions in an organization. As a confidential resource, an ombuds has unique insight into the themes affecting an organization’s people. Ombuds can signal that trouble may be on the horizon, or that a tune-up is needed by sharing anonymized trends and feedback to organizational leadership. In this way, ombuds can flag concerns before an organization finds itself stranded on the side of a metaphorical highway.
Ombuds as a flashlight
Ombuds can illuminate the way forward for people experiencing workplace challenges by identifying options. Just as a flashlight illuminates the way through a dark and winding corridor, an ombuds shines light on the paths employee can take to move through a workplace challenge. And because ombuds are impartial, they don’t direct people toward a particular choice – their role is to shine light on what options are available. Reliable and neutral ombuds reveal the ways forward in times of uncertainty.
Ombuds as a bridge
Ombuds can help bridge understanding between people in conflict by facilitating conversations and supporting clearer communication. At times, conflict at work can leave those involved feeling stranded and unsure how to communicate with each other, as if they were on the opposite banks of a rushing river. An off-the-record conversation facilitated by an ombuds can offer a safe way across the murky waters of conflict. By helping people identify shared interests and engage productively, ombuds make it possible to cross the divide and rebuild working relationships.
Together, these metaphors highlight the many ways organizational ombuds help people find clarity, connection, and constructive paths forward. Looking to learn more about MWI’s Organizational Ombuds services? Please contact ombuds@mwi.org or visit https://www.mwi.org/ombuds.
