Gender and Conflict at Work: Part 2, Men Don’t Whinny
Yes, you read that correctly. “Men Don’t Whinny.” Recall last month’s eNews and how women use the power of the group to reward or punish. Now, let’s take a look at the other side. The guy side and some might even say the “right side”.
Now, some of you might be thinking “Who the heck is this Woman to talk about how men do it, don’t do it, or how they do it.” How do I know? I asked…MEN. Lots of them. I asked a High School Football Coach. A Marketing Executive. A CPA. A Human Resources Professional. Lawyers. Airline Pilots. Management Consultants. I asked. I listened. I took copious notes. I stopped talking and took a look around. This is what I heard and saw and what took me by surprise.
Recall, for the majority of women- it is all about the relationship and fitting in to the group. Contrast this to, well, the male dynamic.
Men don’t care about the group. There is no group. There is only the task…and trust…and respect.
February 6th, 2008 at 3:14 am
You are absolutely 100% correct. It’s also sometimes known as being “Type-A” personality. Also I’ve heard time and again by respected individuals that men are much more concerned about being able to trust others and being respected.
February 7th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Yep. I think that trust and respect are huge to both men and women. Those values, however, are expressed differently. I have been listening to the audio book “Money, An Autobiography” by Liz Perle. Ms. Perle suggests that women want to depend on others-which I think is slightly different than trusting others. Trusting, in a male world, is more “do what you say you will do.l” Depending, in a female world, is more “are you looking out for me?” Just my current thought.
Anyone else have some comments? Thoughts to share?