Page 24 - 2019 December E-issue

FE Civil Review Course offered by RIT Civil Engineering Technology

Communication. A skill that we begin using from birth. Yet, ironically, a skill
that most of us still haven’t mastered. Especially with the opposite sex. Sure,
we’ve all had fights with our significant others, but in the workplace, you
cant slam the door and walk away. Ethically.

Ever since women began assimilating into the field of engineering, many
companies have turned to scholars to study the most effective ways of
communicating across genders. Surprisingly, little headway has been made
to bridge the communication gap. In fact, “70% of mistakes in the workplace
are a result of poor communication.” (Cole, 1993).

An interesting study by economists from MIT and George Washington
University found that offices of equally mixed genders averaged 41% higher
revenue over all-male or all-female employees (Ellison and Mullin, 2014).
Sara Ellison, lead researcher, references baseball when describing why:
A baseball team entirely composed of catchers could have high esprit de
corps,” noting that a band of catchers could share experiences, equipment,
or tips for handling knuckleballs, but it would not perform very well on the
field.”

The catch? Ellison and Mullin observed that people are more comfortable
and happier in homogenous work groups. In other words, men feel at ease
around other men and women feel at ease around other women. Therein lies
the rub, how can we maintain our job satisfaction while working in diverse
engineering teams that have been proven to increase the bottom line?

Its no secret that men and women will always communicate differently.
Its inherent based on our upbringings and roles in society. The key is
understanding those differences and, therefore, each-other. Deborah
Tannen, professor of linguistics at Georgetown University, has studied at
length the two main differences between men and women in conversation.
WOMEN
Women often focus on empathetic relationship building, which Tannen
dubs Rapport Talk. This method of communication seeks to establish a
connection with others instead of proving ones self, as men do. Women
typically share personal feelings and focus on past experiences. In most
cases women will avoid using direct or threatening communication in favor
of taking turns while talking and not interrupting (Tannen, 1990).

TIPS FOR INTERACTING WITH MEN
• Make expectations clear (focus on specific tasks and firm dates)
o For Example: “It would be helpful if you could run the analysis by
Friday so I can focus on responding to the customer’s questions.”
Clarify whether you are venting vs. looking for a solution
o For Example: “I’m having an issue on a project, but I just need to vent,
can you listen?
Eliminate subconscious cues that indicate submission
o For Example: Poor posture and down cast eyes

MEN
Men, on the other hand, are typically direct in their discussions, which

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