Despite significant changes, gender conflict remains a workplace issue. Learn what both genders can do to work together.

Training Points:

The two main causes of the differences are:

• Genetic/hormonal factors - "hard-wiring" of the brain
• Environmental/social factors - the way we are treated
• <>In the workplace, communication style differences are a key aspect

       
Differences in body language

• Eye contact - females maintain it for longer than males
• Space - women approach more closely
• Facial expressions/gestures - women more skilled at sending and interpreting them

       
Differences in participation

• Who talks the most? In mixed gender groups men spend more time talking than women; people who talk more are perceived as dominant
• <>Who interrupts? Men interrupt women more often than women interrupt men; women are more likely than men to allow an interruption to be successful; people who are interrupted are seen as less powerful

 
The impact of gender differences

• Women have less opportunity to contribute ideas
• Women perceived as weaker, less competent

 
Differences in making requests
Use of tag questions vs. clear statements - "It's cold in here, isn't it?"
 
Some changes for women

• Discourage interruptions
• Participate more
• Make more direct statements

 
Some changes for men

• Listen more
• Ask questions
• Self-disclose more - feelings, mistakes