How GenderFlex Works: Men and women learn gender patterns and skills to vary communication-for example:

• content (facts or feelings; business or relationships),
• style (express or resolve), and
• structure (detailed, brief, state or ask).

Can improve relationships, productivity, job satisfaction, and retention. People who learn to bridge male-female communication gaps are prepared to communicate with almost anyone about almost everything. (Simons, 1990)

The Payoff: GenderFlex can build skills to communicate at any and all levels of an organization. It can also support appreciation of what each gender can contribute to the quality of work.

How to Make It Happen: Introduce and practice skills with groups of any size. Experienced facilitators guide the group to:

• explore differences & seek insights,
• develop trust,
• learn new skills and approaches, and
• develop plans for continual learning.

Participants continue to gain skill in day-to-day work experience-with or without facilitated, follow-up training sessions. Single training sessions can be useful. Follow-up sessions offer more in-depth experience over time. Used in group process training in the U.S. and world wide.

Simons, G.G., & Weissman, D. (1990). Men and Women, Partners at Work. Los Altos, CA: Crisp Publications, Inc.

Srivastva, S., et al (1990), Appreciative Management and Leadership, San Francisco, CA: Josy-Bass Publishers.

Tingley, J.C. (1993). GenderFlex: Men & Women Speaking Each Other's Language at Work. Washington, DC: American Management Assn.

Tingley, J.C. (April 1993). "GenderFlex: Adaptive Communication for Trainers."