WELCOMEJacobs ESTS Group

Professional Women’s Collaborative

April 29, 2009

PAST PWC Events April 2008 – Jan Davis / Networking Session June 2008 – Kick-Off Meeting July 2008 – Pat Summers / Strategize Your Career Path Aug 2008 – Susan Bilhorn / Career Development Journey Sep 2008 – Liz Hurley / Breast Cancer Awareness Oct 2008 – Clay Sawyer / Toastmasters Dec 2008 – Christian Women’s Job Corp / Donation Social Jan 2009 – The Weigh to Win Feb 2009 – Women in Business Pave the Way Mar 2009 – Andy Johnston – Career Development

Information can be found on the PWC Webpage!

Networking Session

Professional Women’s Collaborative

April 29, 2009

(Insert Networking Quote)

Spring Cleaning Safety

Professional Women’s Collaborative

April 29, 2009

Amanda Pettus

Spring Cleaning

Whether inside or out, projects require care and caution.

Many spring cleaning injuries occur when people rush or do not follow the proper safety precautions.

Proper Ventilation And Use Of Supplies…

● Open The Windows This is especially important when using cleaning products that contain

chlorine or ammonia. Fumes these products create should not be inhaled. The best way do avoid any danger is to have a window open at all times, or if you are working in a room without windows, leave the door wide open and consider putting a small fan inside to keep the air circulating.

● Don’t Mix Cleaning Products You have probably heard this before, but it is worth repeating: Don’t mix

cleaning products. They contain various chemicals that can create dangerous chemical reactions when combined. Before using products such as cleaners, paints and pesticides, read the label and follow usage directions carefully. Stick with one product and get the job done.

Proper Use Of Equipment…● Use PPE

Wear proper protective clothing for the task -- a hat, gloves or goggles, as appropriate. Not only will wearing gloves keep your hands from drying out and getting scuffed up, it also prevents chemicals from being absorbed through the skin.

● Use Appropriate Equipment Mishaps with ladders, gardening tools and lawn mowers alone cause

hundreds of thousands of injuries a year that require medical attention. When trying to reach high areas in your house, use a small ladder or sturdy step stool - never stand on furniture that could tip or slide. When using a ladder, always make sure the ladder is secure and on a flat, firm surface. Never use a ladder on an uneven, soft or wet surface. Avoid reaching too high or leaning too far to one side or the other.

Pay Attention…● Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Most cleaning accidents happen when stepstools or ladders are in the way. Pay attention. Before you walk across a floor check to see if it is still wet. Avoid leaving buckets of water sitting around. They could become a drowning hazard for a small child or a slip/trip hazard.

● Pace Yourself Make sure you pace yourself and take frequent breaks and replenish

fluids to prevent dehydration. Don’t let yourself get too tired. If you are exhausted, you are much more likely to get hurt.

● Safely Store Your Cleaning Products Take a few minutes at the end of your cleaning day and make sure all

cleaning supplies are accounted for and stored according to the label directions and make sure they're out of the reach of children and pets.

Gender Differences in Communication:

How we use different styles

Professional Women’s Collaborative

April 29, 2009

Deb Raupp

Gender Differences in Communication

• More women on management teams today• Male-female communication is cross-cultural

– Two dialects– Both styles valid– Neither style “better”– Important to understand each style

• Four major differences• Effective leaders are adaptable to style

differences

Gender Communication: Four Major Differences

● Telling the story vs. getting to the point

● Asking vs. telling

● Collaboration vs. competition Connection vs. separation “Power Dead Even Rule”

● Sharing information vs. trading facts Rapport Talk vs. Report Talk Connecting through relationship vs. connecting

with facts

#1 Telling the Story vs. Getting to the Point

● Women’s tendencies: tell the entire story give sufficient background describe content don’t want to be incomplete or omit data

● Men’s tendencies cut to the chase stick to the facts describe results often uninterested in background or context

Telling the Story vs. Getting to the Point

● How do we deal with these differences? First, recognize the differences Adapt to other person’s style if appropriate Women can learn to be more succinct Men can learn to listen to the context Focus on desired results in your specific situation

● Consider the best approach in your your setting, with your your boss and colleagues

#2 Asking vs. Telling

• Women tend to get things done by making suggestions Women typically understand another woman’s “suggestion” Men often misinterpret these suggestions Have you seen this in in your workplace?

• Women who “tell others what to do” are considered: bossy pushy “-----y” Dilemma for women in leadership

• Men who “tell others” are considered direct clear

Asking vs. Telling Women tend to say:

“How about…?” “Could you do me a favor…?” “I would…”

Example:“I would put a sign on the door so no one slips.”“Why don’t you put a sign on the door so no one slips.”“Put a sign on the door. Someone’s going to slip.”

Possible Approaches to “Ask vs. Tell” Difference

Women can express ideas outright without disclaimer (i.e., not a “suggestion”)

• Phrase requests and orders thoughtfully Men can benefit by using strategies more

common among women give praise use suggestions be collaborative

Find business solution that works!

#3 – Collaboration vs. Competition

Women downplay differences, emphasize similarities Strive to connect and

collaborate, not separate

Women try to be equal

Men emphasize differences Value uniqueness and

separateness

Men try to “one-up”

Collaboration vs. Competition – Conversations Women’s conversation involves appearance of

equality: even if different status, emphasize similarities tend to avoid boasting downplay accomplishments

Men’s conversation involves: playful insults put-down oppositional stance distinguishing themselves

Power Dead Even Rule Dr. Pat Heim

#4 – Sharing Information vs. Trading Facts

Rapport Talk – Women

Share stories and create rapport “How is your mom

doing?” Discuss problems and

dilemmas openly Exchange stories

mutually

Report Talk – Men

Trade facts and report information Stats Info Facts Details

Sharing Information vs. Trading Facts

Asking about health may be women's way to connect and “put a person at ease”

Men may feel uncomfortable because perceived as highlighting a weakness Breaks the “one-up” rule

In our business, connect with facts!

Summary

Be knowledgeable of 4 key differences Understand style differences in co-workers

Notice different styles in your immediate setting Listen carefully to what others say and how they say it

Respect other’s style Adapt your own style as needed

PWC Upcoming Event Reminder!

Conflict Resolution – What’s Your StyleJimmy FishMay 18, 2009Galileo Conference Room Brown Bag Event ESTS Men and Women invited

CHECK IT OUT…

New Entrée Web Portal

PWC Web area on home pageFeedback and suggestions are welcomed

THANK YOU!