Conversation

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 583.

Language

Body language

Dealing with problems.

Working together

The male approach to business is competitive, direct and confrontational. The end justifies the means. Personal status and a focus on the individual are important.

The female method is collaborative; collective action and responsibility are more important than personal achievement. Lateral thinking (ie thinking in a creative way, making unusual connections), as well as goodwill and the well­-being of the individual, are also of great importance.

The male approach is to go to the heart of the problem, without taking into account secondary consideration. The female preference is to look at various options.

Male body language tends to be challenging. Female body language tends towards self-protection. A stereotypical female pose is sitting cross-legged; the male sits with legs apart to give an impression that he is in control.

Male behaviour can include forceful gestures, for example banging a fist on the desk for effect. The female style does not usually include aggressive gestures.

The male way of speaking does not encourage discussion. Women tend to welcome other's opinions and contributions more.

Men like to talk about their personal experiences and achievements or discuss `masculine' topics such as cars or sport. Women tend to talk about staff problems and personal relationship.