Men and women often communicate differently, leading to conflicts. Men tend to be straight-line communicators who want to get directly to the point of a problem and solution. Women tend to be more relational communicators, seeing conversations as a way to develop relationships and find solutions. This can lead men to see women as talking too much and not getting to the point, while women see men as not listening and being uncaring. Understanding these differences can help improve communication between genders, both at work and in personal relationships.

1. I Can’t hear you! How Men & Women Communicate – Or Not © 2011 All Rights Reserved Laurie Leiker Leiker Consulting

2. Common complaints Men: She talks too much She nags/is controlling She never gets to the point She thinks my problems are unimportant Women: He doesn’t listen to me He can’t sympathize He always wants me to hurry up and get to the point He never asks for directions

3. Which result in From men: She talks too much She’s controlling She makes me feel my problem is not unique to me From women: He doesn’t listen He’s cold and uncaring He’s arrogant and stubborn

4. Why the conflict? How men communicate: Straight-line communicators Problem ------- Solution All conversations serve a purpose How women communicate: Relational communicators All conversation helps develop solutions

5. Results in the workplace A case study Perceptions of women managers in a male-dominated workplace

6. We can make it work In the workplace In relationships At home

7. Many thanks: Many thanks to Deborah Tannen, whose research into male-female communications as a sociolinguist has resulted in the development of this presentation Many thanks to you; without your interest, this presentation would not be needed. © 2011 All rights reserved Laurie Leiker Leiker Consulting