Better Communication Between
Men and Women in the Workplace:
Some Useful Tips

by Simma Lieberman

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 murde#990000 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 infer#990000 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 Simma Lieberman works with people and organizations to create environments where people can do their best work. She specializes in diversity, gender communications, life-work balance and stress, and acquiring and retaining new customers. Call Simma at 510.527.0700 or Email simma@simmalieberman.com. Visit her website at http://www.SimmaLieberman.com

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