Book Summary Preview : Mars and Venus in the Workplace
A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting Results at Work
By John Gray Ph.D.
HarperCollins Publishers, 2001
ISBN 0-06-019796-X
320 pages
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The Big Idea
Now that more and more women are invading the workplace, the battle of the sexes has become more complex and more challenging. Common misunderstanding and miscommunication between men and women are triggering strings of confusion, conflict and frustration in companies all over the world.
Mars and Venus in the Workplace aims to improve communication and relationship skills in the workplace. It invites you to explore the different ways men and women can approach challenges. By heeding the lessons given in the book, you can learn how to “blend” differences to achieve a common goal and increase respect, acceptance, trust and success.
Speaking Different Languages
Men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Aside from being from different planets, men and women also speak different languages. Although the words may sound the same, the meaning can be completely different. This is where misinterpretation and miscommunication starts.
Task-Oriented Vs. Relationship-Oriented
Men use communication to solve problems and to get things done. Often, men are viewed to be more competent than women because they use the least number of words needed to make a point.
Women use communication for a variety of reasons. These reasons include: to solve problems, minimize stress, create emotional bonds, strengthen relationships, stimulate creativity, and to discover new ideas.
Understanding this difference can lessen miscommunication and eliminate unnecessary hurt feelings.
Sharing is from Venus, Grumbling is from Mars
Men and women relate differently to stress in the workplace and this affects the way they communicate. When under stress, men tend to focus more and as a result, men grumble when they are required to change their focus.
Women, on the other hand, tend to expand more and may need to share their feelings when they are overwhelmed. Talking about problems, frustrations and disappointment is a way of releasing stress and tension for women. Women view talking as a bonding experience. . . . . .