What’s Your Professional Communication Style?

There is endless talk and discussion surrounding the different gender styles of communication. While there is much truth in all of them, they can be quite stereotyped. The professional world is changing and so are our communication styles. When looking at professional women’s issues it is too simple to assume that ‘all’ women communicate in a particular way, or that all men do either. The two are coming closer all the time. Recognizing your own style and either being comfortable with it or prepared to change can make a difference in your career.

For many of us our communication style can be highly effective. There are some instances though where a communication style can be damaging or at least give the wrong message.

Yes, it is true that most women are better at empathizing and listening than men. Women nod, make eye contact, and usually listen with a deeper understanding than men. Or do they? Some women misunderstand the ‘be assertive’ message and move into the aggressive style. Or they are so determined not to let anyone stand in the way of their career path they practically spit poison and turn green at any other woman that may pose a threat to their own step up the ladder. Suffering from ‘nodding dog’ syndrome can be detrimental too. While it is natural for women to nod as a sign that they are listening, this can be perceived as being subservient and not being able to think for your self. Men naturally take nodding to mean an answer in the affirmative.

Women talk. As professional women we need to be aware of what we are talking about. It is Okay to have a gossip on the phone with your best friend about your relationship, or who is with whom – it’s not appropriate in the office. It is amazing how many women still do this, especially when competing for a job. Gossip about a colleague or any kind of put down will always make the person doing the gossiping look bad and untrustworthy in the long run.

Emails can be a particularly sensitive issue for professional women. Somehow many of us just expect people to understand our modality. Often this is the case if you know the person you are emailing well. If you don’t it is doubly important to stay professional and to the point.

Dress is something that comes up again and again in professional women’s issues. Yes, it does matter how you dress. The day’s of ‘power dressing’ to look like men are fortunately over. We are allowed to be feminine again, but realistically. Dressing in low cut blouses and super short skirts does nothing for anyone’s professional image. Find a style that suits your personality but is at all times professional.

Professional women still often find it difficult to speak up and will often allow others to interrupt them, or over-ride them. It doesn’t need to be a vicious dog-eat-dog world but it is important that when you have an idea or something of value to say and that they know ‘you’ said it.

Professional women can find a way between the traditional male model of authoritarian and feminine collaboration. Be aware of what style of communication others are seeing from you. If it is positive and works for you, keep it. It is good to have your own personal style but if you think you may need to make a few changes, do so. What is the professional image you want to portray, while still being you?

About The Author: Sylvia is a leading contributor on issues facing professional women in the workplace. She is a proud member of NAPW, The National Organization of Women. Her views are not necessarily those of NAPW. You can learn more about NAPW at http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/NAPW.516-877-5500.