As a postdoc, you will inevitably need to navigate a mentor/mentee relationship. As with any relationship, challenges can arise that may need to be addressed with a brave conversation. What makes a conversation difficult or challenging? Often these conversations are laden with emotion, risk, or sensitive topics. Despite this, there are ingredients that can help a difficult conversation to become productive and even successful. In this 75-minute training, the Harvard Ombuds Office will explore the fundamental elements for managing a brave conversation and allow participants to practice these skills.

Training Objectives:

• Recognize the types of issues you may need to address in mentor/mentee relationships.
• Learn how to manage a brave conversation.
• Practice framing your concerns in a respectful and productive way.

Presenter Bios:

Harvard Ombuds Adam Barak Kleinberger was appointed in December 2021. Prior to arriving at Harvard, Adam served as an ombuds at Boston University and Cornell University. He is a Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner® (CO-OP) and follows the International Ombudsman Association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Adam served in various roles at the Consensus Building Institute, the City University of New York and as a mediator in Massachusetts’ district courts. Adam’s research and training has focused on improving conflict resolution skills through the use of improvisation and clowning. He began his study of conflict resolution at the United World College. He holds a BA from Brandeis University, an MA in Dispute Resolution from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a diploma from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College.

Colette Carmouche is an Ombuds for faculty, staff, and students at Harvard University. Prior to joining Harvard, Colette served in the federal government for 13 years in various capacities including conflict transformation, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and historic preservation. Colette previously held roles as an Ombudsman Specialist for the Transportation Security Administration, a mediation program manager, mediator, facilitator, trainer, ombuds, and coach for the U.S. Department of Interior, and she also assisted in establishing the first service-wide diversity and inclusion office for the National Park Service. Colette earned a Bachelor of Arts with dual majors in Anthropology and African and African American Studies from the University of Rochester and a Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. She also holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coach Federation.

Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact  me (Stephen) in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for American Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that the University will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.