Leading Across Generation, Gender,

and Culture@TerraLFletcher

.com/ELIcon

Discussion Roadmap•Generations•International Cultures•Gendered Communication•Foster Healthy Communication

Reasons to Learn About Communication, Gender, and Culture1. Appreciate complexity, validity, and diversity of

communication styles and viewpoints2. Better understand personal, social, and professional life3. Enhance insight into your own gender, cultural

expectations, and how you choose to present yourself4. Strengthen effectiveness as a communicator and leader

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Signposts•Personal signpost•Generational signpost•Life law

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Boomer Signposts•Dr. Spock•Overcrowded schools•Brown vs. Board of Education•Television•The Feminine Mystique

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Generation X• Sesame Street• MTV• Decadent 1980s, early 90s recession• Latchkey kids

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Millennials / Generation Y•Helicopter parents•Technical experts•Seek groups•Integrate life and work

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Generation Z / iGen / Linksters•Online (high-speed) since toddlers•Send 3000 texts/month•Lack face-to-face interaction and verbal communication

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Leading iGen•Needs routine•Reward often•Correct immediately•Lead by example•Explain what may seem obvious•Pair with a “buddy”

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Gender Facts and Theories•There are biological differences between the sexes•Socialization impacts our presentation of self

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Gendered Communication Feminine Speech

◦ Establish and maintain relationships◦ Support others◦ Express emotions◦ Tentative

Masculine Speech◦ Talk more often and at greater length

(Mulac, 2006)◦ Accomplish goals◦ Exert control◦ Enhance status◦ Assertive

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Global Perspectives•Agta people in Philippines and Tini Aborigines in Australia see keen hunting ability as a feminine trait (Estioko-Griffin & Griffin, 1997)•Tahitian men tend to be gentle, mild-tempered, and non aggressive. It is entirely acceptable for them to cry, show fear, and express pain. (Coltrane, 1996)•Mbuti pygmies in central Africa, don’t discriminate strongly between sexes. Males and females gather roots, berries, and nuts, and both hunt. (Coltrane, 1996)

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High and Low Context

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m5M7XyQ3qg

Foster Healthy Communication Respect others as completely unique individuals with thoughts, feelings, and desires that are totally different from your own

Good faith to believe others are generally good and a positive attitude that keeps perspective

Appreciate others as completely unique individuals with valuable insights, opinions, and experiences

Honesty, trust, confidentiality Own and share your feelings

Things to Remember

•Differences = Strengths•Identify your own Barriers•Adapt your Communication Style Ca

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Citations/Resources•Generations, Inc. by Meagan Johnson and Larry Johnson•5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White

•What Every Body is Saying by Joe Navarro

•What to Say to Get What you Want by Sam Deep and Lyle Sussman

•Gendered Lives by Julia T. Wood•The Culture Map by Erin Meyer•https://www.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts?language=en

•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYMgdc9CeEw

•https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KeQ7qgKbug

•http://www.encyclopedia.com/science-and-technology/technology/technology-terms-and-concepts/stereotype

•http://www.dummies.com/relationships/happiness/communication-qualities-that-foster-healthy-relationships/

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