Talking from 9 to 5: Women and Men at Work

In seminars, I often ask "How many here have had a conversation with someone of the opposite gender that didn't go quite the way you thought it would?" After all the hands are up, I explain that I'll draw on two very different but extremely helpful authors, John Gray and Deborah Tannen, to help folks sort this gender communication puzzle out. This is a fundamental, research-based, solid explanation of the ways in which the genders in the US workplace differ in their communication styles. It sheds a blindingly bright light on previously unexamined habits, and on rituals all too often taken for granted. There's no judgement here, just much-needed explanation, complete with illustrative interview excerpts and anecdotes. In the spirit of early intervention, bringing this information to the next generation, I included "Understanding girl talk and guy talk" in Letters to My Granddaughters; Insights and inspiration for a life journey

As someone who is just about to enter the competitive workforce after completing undergraduate studies, I think this book is the most valuable tool someone can have in order to be successful. In our society, hard work must also be paired with a little luck and being "in" with the right people, and this book will be your sense of luck. Tannen explores precisely how communication styles between men and women differ, and how those styles impact a person's impression to colleagues. Women are socialized to be emotionally sensitive, indirect, and empathetic. Men, well, are not. This directness is key to excelling in the workplace and no, it will not make women appear "bitchy" or too aggressive. While Tannen does not give a how-to guide on correcting these flaws in communication, having awareness can be enough to fix them.

For example, if a new employee is typing something for her boss which he incorrectly dictated, she would say sorry when he discovered the mistake. But, she is not really apologizing as it was not her fault, but she is rather saying, I am sorry about the mistake and that it needs to be redone. This acceptance of blame puts her in a subordinate position, and while one little situation is not a big deal, continual behaviors like that will harm the woman's chance of promotion, at least in her bosses eyes. Basically, this book would be absolutely beneficial to a women in any position in the workforce, and highly recommended for any man who works with at least one woman. The only problem with the book was the repetition and length. I think the overall points will still be as apparent even if you skim over a few chapters.

- Rebecca K.

Deborah Tannen's book, Talking from 9 to 5, was definitely an eye opener. It made me realize that there are many troubles we face as women in the work field and also the affects of bad communication by both genders. What I enjoyed most was her way of telling stories to engage the reader and indirectly educate them on the issues she raises in her book. I honestly felt like I was reading more of a guide than a debate about female treatment in the workplace. For every topic of discussion there was both a male and female perspective. Though her focus was more on women, she did not offend the opposite sex or try to bring them down. The parts I found most interesting focused on the stereotypes of women, or the mark on women, in the workplace. I also found the chapter about women in authority interesting, especially since I hope to be one some day. For someone who barely enjoys reading, this book definitely engaged my interests and influenced me to think about the issues I may face as a female in the engineering field. Overall I would recommend this to many women, and even men, who are interested in learning about the differences in communication between men and women, in the workplace.

To begin, I read TALKING FROM 9 TO 5: WOMEN AND MEN AT WORK by Deborah Tannen for a 100's communications class. It was recommended to me by the professor for two reasons known to myself. The first being that I am a business student who plans on entering the corporate world and second being that I am a male. My first impressions of the book were optimistic.I know how valuable the art of communication is, and how much I could benefit from such a book. Tannen offered greater clarity, that could only help me to improve my communication skills. The book was easy to comprehend and relate to. It is a quick read that makes you more aware of office rhetoric. Men and women communicate differently, and within our own gender, we communicate in various styles. Like tannen say's, were not going to go through a complete personality change, but rather learn how to more affectively communicate with others. Having a better understanding, allowed myself to be more conscions of how I speak to other individuals. I got this greater understanding from the examples in the stories. They were useful,but over done. I know that some people will benefit from a story for every point, but it slowed down the reading. That is probably part of Tannen's goal when writing this book to appeal to the masses. Some need those extra stories, but I found them to over implemented throughout the book. Tannen wrote on a subject that is already known, but not understood by the masses. Each gender has its own communication styles and practices. This book helps to uncover everyones styles and problems. Even though I gave only three starts, I would recomend this book to others in the business world. If anything, you will get a greater understanding of office politics and practices.

Evan N.

This book provides a great information on how to get a long with others in the work places men or women, this book will give you skills needed for teamwork and a better working place enviornment.