Masculine-Feminine Difference: How Max and Fran Talk
Differences in masculine and feminine ways of speaking at work can be its own separate topic–gender communications. My prototype of masculine ways at work, Max, speaks directly, confidently assertively. Speaking this language (“Max”) works for increasing his status. The feminine prototype, Fran, uses sentence structures that make her status close to that of her listener. Speaking “Fran” helps maintain relationships. In meetings, Max takes up more time; Fran waits her turn and gives up the floor when interrupted. I urge leaders to become “bilingual”–to understand both “Max” and “Fran” and not take literally how people express themselves.
