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Brad Ginn
This Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, marks the second annual Ombuds Day. To celebrate, Brad Ginn, Argonne’s ombuds, and Dan Raker, Argonne’s senior attorney for labor and employment, will participate in a panel discussion Thursday evening, Oct. 10, at the American Bar Association on how to develop an ombuds program and the benefits it provides to an organization. Anyone is welcome to attend. Register online.
A Q&A with Argonne’s Ombuds Brad Ginn
To better understand this important service offered at the laboratory, Argonne Today asked Ginn a few questions the laboratory community might have.
What is an ombuds?
I am a designated impartial person in an independent office. I am available to informally and confidentially assist any member of the Argonne community with a workplace concern or issue. I will not let anyone else know that a person is meeting with me nor what we discuss, unless that person and I agree it is appropriate to let someone else know. The only exception to this confidentiality is when I believe there is an imminent risk of serious harm.
Unlike other offices at Argonne, the Ombuds Office is not a reporting office. Argonne will not know what is discussed unless the visitor decides to let Argonne know. In fact, it is up to the visitor to decide on their own course of action. I will help them decide what to do by listening to their concerns, providing information and referrals, asking questions to assist them in thinking through their situation, and working with them to develop options. I can also prepare people for difficult conversations, mediate between people in a conflict, facilitate meetings, and conduct conflict management workshops.
The word “ombuds” is unusual. Where does it come from?
I get this question a lot. The word “ombudsman” is originally Swedish and literally means “representative.” Today, the words “ombudsman,” “ombudsperson,” and “ombuds” are all being used. I’m an organizational ombuds and adhere to the Standards of Practice of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA). You can find a link to the standards on the Ombuds Office page on Inside Argonne. You can also find the Argonne Ombuds Office Charter there. The charter establishes the office and defines the responsibilities and limitations of the Argonne ombuds.
What is your relationship to laboratory management?
As an ombuds, I operate independently from laboratory management. No one supervises what I do day to day, and I have sole discretion on how to act regarding individual matters and systemic concerns. Per the IOA’s Standards of Practice, I report, for administrative purposes only, to Laboratory Director Paul Kearns. Paul does not get to know who sees me or what we talk about unless someone gives me permission to talk to him.
At the same time, I have direct access to the laboratory director and other Argonne leaders. This is important. As I hear of patterns of concerns, I can let leaders know there are issues that need attention as long as I do not identify anyone that does not want to be identified. In the long run, my aspiration is to improve the workplace for members of the Argonne community and to improve the organization.
What are examples of issues people would bring to you?
Members of the Argonne community can see me about any workplace concern. A lot of people see me because they are having interpersonal issues with a colleague or supervisor. Supervisors also visit me to discuss concerns they have with direct reports. Many people talk to me about career development issues as well as career opportunities. The Ombuds Office is also a safe place to think through safety and ethical issues, including sexual harassment. It is a safe place to figure out what to do and what the process is if a person reports these issues. No issue is too small or too early to bring to me. The earlier we talk, the more options there are for resolution, usually.
What do you find rewarding in your work as an ombuds?
It is so rewarding to help people find resolution to concerns that are causing them stress. I like giving people the tools to help themselves. It is wonderful to see people who come to me with very strained working relationships improve those relationships dramatically. I really enjoy meeting the people that visit the office, learning about their work, and assisting them so that they can focus on the work they do. Finally, I find it rewarding to make recommendations to leaders for improving the workplace and to see them implement changes.
What is your educational and professional background?
I have a law degree, but I have not practiced law for many years and do not give legal advice in my ombuds role at Argonne. Instead, for most of my career, I was a mediator. I mediated over 700 conflicts both in the court system and outside of it with a specialty in workplace conflicts. I also served as executive director of the Center for Conflict Resolution, a Chicago not-for-profit provider of mediation services and conflict management and mediation training. In 2012, I established the Ombuds Office at Northeastern Illinois University. I am recognized by IOA as a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner.®
What do you enjoy doing when you are not at work?
I love hiking, downhill skiing, photography, and travelling. My wife and I have been fortunate to have our two adult sons join us on many of our trips. We also like to go into Chicago to enjoy plays, concerts, and different restaurants. On summer weekends, I like going for a morning bike ride and then relaxing with a good book at the beach.
How does someone schedule an appointment with you?
I meet with people by appointment only, so I can ensure everyone’s privacy. We can meet in the Ombuds Office located on the first floor in the Argonne Guest House, at a nearby offsite location, or by telephone. To schedule an appointment, contact me via email or voicemail at ext. 2-7098. Please don’t include any confidential information in your email or voicemail message, as I cannot ensure privacy through those channels, and I do not work in writing.
