Rick said:
> I thought Deborah Tannen's book _You Just Don't Understand_ was terrific.
> Her typical male-femaile conversations hit very close to home for me...
> One of her examples is when driving in a strange area, women want to stop
> to ask for directions, men just want to keep driving, "I'll find it!"
> Bingo! Right on the mark, for me anyway.
>
> Reading the book made me more sensitive to gender differences in
> communications... But, I think it's more than just talking, it's
> differences in how we approach life. I fear that gender lines in the
> workplace are slowing us down, and Tannen's book helped me be a more
> effective member of mixed gender groups.
>
> I'm interested in going beyond gender differences to other kinds of
> differences... Style or type (as in Myers-Briggs or Human Dynamics). Where
> are the tools that will help us be effective in truly diverse workplaces?
I'm also a big fan of Deborah Tannen. And I think the book is useful - as
you said - to be more sensitive to gender differences in communication (I
wish I could get my husband to read it!!).
If you haven't alread read the book "A peacock in the land of Penguins" by
Warren H. Schmidt (Contributor), Sam Weiss (Illustrator), Ken Blanchard,
Barbara Hateley, I suggest you get hold of it. It is THE best book I've
ever read. I'm using it to create a discussion and a better understanding
of the value of diversity in our company (American, multicultural).
These are reviews on the Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/):
Ann M. Morrison, author of Breaking the Glass Ceiling and The New Leaders
"A lighthearted treatment of a difficult problem, this story reminds us of
what we are really after in our diversity efforts." --This text refers to
an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager, Raving Fans, and
Empowerment Takes More Than a Minute Every once in a while a small book
comes along that deals with a profound subject in a very simple, elegant
way. A Peacock in the Land of Penguins is such a book.
Jim Kouzes, co-author of The Leadership Challenge and Credibility
Insightful and witty.... Hateley and Schmidt have captured an essential
truth about navigating the stormy seas of the contemporary workplace- from
the strength of differences we can truly make a difference.
Book Description
This delightful corporate fable explores the challenge of managing the
increasing diversity of the workforce and capturing the talent, energy,
and commitment of all employees. This new, expanded edition includes
self-quizzes, how-to's, resources, and strategies for peacocks and
penguins alike.
Regards,
Bjoerg Kaspersen
--bjoerg kaspersen <bkasper@bvemx.ppco.com>
[Host's Note: Thanks, Bjoerg, for the additional reference. In association with Amazon.com, you can find that book at...
A Peacock in the Land of Penguins : A Tale of Diversity and Discovery by Warren H. Schmidt (Contributor), Sam Weiss (Illustrator), Ken Blanchard, Barbara Hateley http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1576750108/learningorg
...Rick]
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>