Tips for Better Communication Between Men and Women in the Workplace.

image:forbes.com
culled from:simmalieberman.com

Typical Complaints Women Have About Men

    Addressing women as "girls," "gals," "honey," "babyyoung," "lady," "darlin'"
    A lot of women don’t want to be called “ladies” at work
    Making women into objects... “I have a car, a boat, a dog, and a wife.”
    Using expressions that only use sports, violence or sexual connotations... “We murdered the competition.” “More bang for the buck”
    Making decisions about work with each other and not including women. Then telling women, “Last night we got together and decided...”

Typical Complaints Men Have About Women

    Not getting down to business soon enough
    Taking things too seriously
    Trying to be "one of the boys" (Using profanity, telling sexist jokes, etc.)

Gender Communication Tip Sheet
Women         Men
Share experiences to show commonality         Focus on statistics
Build off of each others’ discussion points         Relate by sharing stories to “one up” each other

Strategy: Women, get to bottom line quickly and succinctly. Men, understand that when women tell a story, they are building common ground with you.


Want to talk about the  problem and solve it  collaboratively         Move to solutions and problem solving right away
Emphasis on feelings and communications         Value placed on ability to achieve results
Processing is a way to include others and build relationships.        

Strategy: Women, don’t try to get men to talk if they’re not ready. Observe and listen rather than process out loud. Men, understand that processing is a way for women to include others and build relationships.


Offer help and advice as a sign of caring         To ask for help reflects an inability to achieve on one’s own merit.

Strategy: Women, understand that offering help may be inferred as a lack of trust in another’s ability. Don’t be so quick to offer advice. Men, ask what you can do to help. It may be an opportunity to show support and caring.


Strengths Associated with Women at Work

Harmony Balance Nurturance, serenity, creativity and vision

Teamwork and collaboration

Detail oriented

Strengths Associated with Men at Work

Goal orientation

Tangible accomplishments

Problem solving

Singleness of purpose

Responsiveness to challenge