Tips for Cracking the Gender Code
by Connie Glaser
Best-selling author and keynote speaker Connie
Glaser is one of the country's leading experts on gender communication and women
in leadership . Exploring communication differences
between men and women, Connie offers corporate seminars on effective communications
and overcoming barriers to leadership.
Here are ways both men and women can improve communication in the workplace.
For men:
Avoid monopolizing conversations. Hear women out. Ask for their input. Keep
interruptions to a minimum.
Give credit for a job well done. As many women are reluctant to boast or
take credit for their good work, they appreciate recognition, particularly
in front of others.
Invest time in building rapport. Relationships are important, and a few
minutes of small talk can reap big benefits.
For women:
Cut to the chase. Speak in bulleted points and sound decisive. Eliminate
self-effacing phrases and avoid qualifiers that may weaken your speech.
When it comes to emotional topics, men tend to panic easily. Don't ask him
how he feels about something, ask him what he thinks.
Don't expect men to be mind readers. If you want or need something, ask
for it. And don't dilute comments or criticisms. Be direct, as men expect
this and appreciate it.
