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How to Capitalize on Gender Diversity in the Workplace
by Diana Solt, L3Harris Technologies

Communication. A skill that we begin using from birth. Yet, ironically, a skill Tannen calls Report Talk. This is a focus on content and demonstration of
that most of us still haven’t mastered. Especially with the opposite sex. Sure, knowledge about a subject. Men dont typically share personal feelings but
we’ve all had fights with our significant others, but in the workplace, you prefer to focus on events, sports, news, and facts. Tannen noticed men use
cant slam the door and walk away. Ethically. jokes and stories to show status and power in groups (Tannen, 1990).

Ever since women began assimilating into the field of engineering, many TIPS FOR INTERACTING WITH WOMEN
companies have turned to scholars to study the most effective ways of • Offer supportive feedback frequently
communicating across genders. Surprisingly, little headway has been made o For Example: “Your input on the last design review was excellent, it
to bridge the communication gap. In fact, “70% of mistakes in the workplace brought to light several questions that I hadn’t thought of. Thank you.”
are a result of poor communication.” (Cole, 1993). Share personal stories
o For Example: “When I first interviewed with this company I wasn’t
An interesting study by economists from MIT and George Washington offered the position, but I’ve been here seven years now. Just goes to
University found that offices of equally mixed genders averaged 41% higher show you that you can succeed where you once thought you couldnt.
revenue over all-male or all-female employees (Ellison and Mullin, 2014). • Reduce patronizing by not expressing ideas as absolutes, be open to
Sara Ellison, lead researcher, references baseball when describing why: other ideas
A baseball team entirely composed of catchers could have high esprit de o For Example: “I believe there are other ways we can solve this
corps,” noting that a band of catchers could share experiences, equipment, problem, does anyone have any other opinions on the matter?
or tips for handling knuckleballs, but it would not perform very well on the
field.” Its rewarding to feel understood, especially considering the different
interests and motivations that drive men and women. True teamwork
The catch? Ellison and Mullin observed that people are more comfortable means all team members being open to new ideas, giving and
and happier in homogenous work groups. In other words, men feel at ease receiving constructive criticism, and recognizing that each gender has a
around other men and women feel at ease around other women. Therein lies communication preference.
the rub, how can we maintain our job satisfaction while working in diverse
engineering teams that have been proven to increase the bottom line? Without the ability to understand each-other clearly, we stifle productivity and
ultimately company growth. This isnt to say that females should adopt the
Its no secret that men and women will always communicate differently. male way of communicating or vice versa, however there’s strong financial
Its inherent based on our upbringings and roles in society. The key is benefits to bridging the gap between our communication styles. Beginning
understanding those differences and, therefore, each-other. Deborah with the tips above we can be better engineers, significant others, and
Tannen, professor of linguistics at Georgetown University, has studied at people.
length the two main differences between men and women in conversation.
Sources:
WOMEN Cole, Kris. (1993). Crystal Clear Communication: Skills for Understanding
Women often focus on empathetic relationship building, which Tannen and Being Understood. Australia: Prentice Hall.
dubs Rapport Talk. This method of communication seeks to establish a
connection with others instead of proving ones self, as men do. Women Ellison, Sara Fisher and Mullin, Wallace P. (2014). Diversity, Social
typically share personal feelings and focus on past experiences. In most Goods Provision, and Performance in the Firm. Journal of Economics &
cases women will avoid using direct or threatening communication in favor Management Strategy, 23(2), 465-481
of taking turns while talking and not interrupting (Tannen, 1990).
Mohindra, Vinita. (2012). Gender Communication: A Comparative Analysis
TIPS FOR INTERACTING WITH MEN of Communicational Approaches of Men and Women at Workplaces. IOSR
• Make expectations clear (focus on specific tasks and firm dates) Journal of Humanities and Social Science. 2. 18-27.
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.” Tannen, D. (1990). You just don't understand: Women and men in
Clarify whether you are venting vs. looking for a solution conversation. New York, NY: Morrow.
o For Example: “I’m having an issue on a project, but I just need to vent,
can you listen? About the Author
Eliminate subconscious cues that indicate submission Diana Solt is in Strategy Development at L3Harris Technologies
o For Example: Poor posture and down cast eyes She is also a graduate of the Communication and Media
Technology Master s program and Rochester Institute of
MEN Technology.
Men, on the other hand, are typically direct in their discussions, which

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