Talking from 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work by Deborah Tannen

Going to work can sometimes be like walking into a minefield. The divide between men and women in the professional world is profound and complex. Men and women make up half of the population in most companies, but they use language differently, communicate differently and sometimes have very different assumptions about the workplace. How can both men and women find unity in their workplace and create a more productive environment? In her book Talking from 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work, Deborah Tannen offers insights into how communication between the two sexes can be improved.

Tannen begins by discussing how men and women both view the workplace differently. Women tend to make deep connections with their coworkers and view the workplace as a communal space. They use their communication skills to create intimacy with their colleagues and share personal stories while they work. Men, on the other hand, focus more on producing results and view the workplace as an individual setting. They use communication strategies to establish hierarchical positions within the workplace.

In her book, Tannen argues that it's important to recognize these differences in order to avoid misunderstandings and create an environment of mutual respect. She suggests that one way to achieve this would be to implement a gender-neutral language policy. Additionally, she argues that it's important for both men and women to be aware of how their own language impacts their coworkers. For example, when women use a more collaborative style of communication, men might perceive it as weak or indecisive. Similarly, when men use a more assertive style of communication, women might perceive it as aggressive or intimidating. By understanding the nuances of how men and women communicate, both genders can work together more effectively.

At the same time, Tannen acknowledges that not all communication between men and women can be taken at face value. Women might find themselves being criticized in the office for not being assertive enough, while men might be accused of dominating the conversation. What's important is that both sexes pay attention to the language they use and the messages they're sending. Men and women should be aware of how their own communication style might be perceived by their colleagues and do their best to communicate in a respectful way.

Finally, Tannen advocates for creating a workplace culture that values both men and women equally. Women should be given the same opportunities as men, regardless of whether they use a assertive or collaborative communication approach. This can help create an environment of understanding, cooperation and collaboration. Likewise, she states that men should be understanding of their female counterparts and strive to create an open and accepting workplace environment.

Through her book Talking from 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work, Deborah Tannen brings to light the difficulties that men and women face when trying to navigate the professional world. By bridging the gap between men and women, both sexes can become more aware of how their communication style might be perceived by their colleagues. This in turn can ultimately create a more productive and harmonious work environment for everyone. Her book provides excellent insight into how both men and women can strive to understand each other in the workplace and create a more cohesive working environment.