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Relationship counselor John Gray, Ph.D. wrote the best-selling book, “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus.” Dr. Gray’s book explored the differences in men and women responding to stress and their differences in communication styles. More than 30 years later, people are still using Dr. Gray’s insights to navigate and hone their communication skills, both at home and at work.
According to Psychology Today, “Interpersonal relationships between peers enhance workplace wellness by increasing belonging and the perception of support.”
While Dr. Gray’s book was written to help couples get along, getting along in the workplace is a high value skill. Just like in a personal relationship, a work relationship can be tangled up in communication challenges. Those challenges can limit progress and productivity, plus make an impact on the overall well-being of team members.
Reviewing some of Dr. Gray’s approach and applying it to work relationships may support better communication. Plus, it can move ideas ahead to create progress and better results.
Communication Style Differences
Men and women’s communication styles are distinct. Men tend to first jump into solution mode. Women tend to first seek understanding and support. Being aware of these differences presents opportunities to establish and maintain more effective and beneficial relationships across work with clientele, other departments, managers, etc.
For example, most men genuinely want to help. By asking more questions and getting a better understanding of the situation, they may be better equipped.
The ability for men to adapt their communication style and gain further clarity before going into solution mode can make a significant difference in various outcomes.
Respecting the Differences
In a personal relationship, appreciating the differences can lead to a more balanced relationship. This is also true for workplace relationships. Accepting others, and their work style is essential in creating a more balanced and harmonized workplace.
This applies to gender, age and cultural differences. In the rush to get things done, it can be easy to forget that we are all on the same team and should be working towards the same goals. Coming from a place of wanting to help teammates makes it easier to ask questions to get a deeper understanding.
Teammates won’t always agree with you. Since Dr. Gray’s book is about differences, it is essential to remember that differences can be positive.
When opposing ideas collide, it creates the opportunity for movement and progress. If each idea adapts the best parts of the other idea, new potential can be reached because the combination creates a better solution.
As Dr. Gray says, respecting the differences is important. What small changes can you make today to move communication and ideas ahead?
