A growing number of small and mid-size businesses are enlisting ombudsmen to handle internal conflicts. At Sigmet, a Massachusetts data processor design company, even small coworker disagreements could lead to a grudge match. To better deal with the internal conflicts, Sigmet hired an ombudsman for a few hours a week to ask how things are going and counsel upset employees?
1. How has the ombudsman decreased conflicts at Sigmet?
2. Would you feel comfortable using an ombudsman to resolve a conflict with a coworker? Why or why not?
3. What could companies do to maximize the effectiveness of an ombudsman?