The following is a sample of our topics and modules for women, and outlines the knowledge gained by participants for each topic and/or module. Each module emphasizes the skill set of learning in depth what the other person is thinking, allowing the worker to manage perceptions, confront and correct misperceptions, and have the greatest possible influence and effectiveness.
It’s Not Personal; It’s Just Business
This module outlines those subconscious differences in how men and women tend to view the workplace that tend to cause unintended problems in perception; this includes a briefing on how each party believes that the workplace “should” operate (the unwritten rules), and the differences in brain wiring that leads to each view.
Emotions
This module explains the key differences in how men and women process and view emotions; in particular, specifically how men view emotion when they see it (their concern goes far beyond viewing it as ‘unprofessional’), and what they view as emotion in the first place. This module also equips women and men to understand the strengths of women’s emotional processing.
Sharing the Weight of the World
This module explains that many of men’s workplace expectations stem from a fear that the world might come crashing down if they let up their guard; and the signals men look to as indications of whether someone fully sharing this “weight of the world” feeling, and is thus “all in” with the team – or not.
The Little Things that Drive Men Crazy
This module briefs women on three key and seemingly minor frustrations that often add up to a big problem for those seen as engaging in them: not getting to the point, a tendency to ‘overreact’, and not letting things go.
Suck it Up
This module explains the vital but rarely verbalized “man up” expectations shared by most men, and shows how different words, choices, and work schedules (including flextime) are often viewed. This module will also help those desiring work-life balance to understand how to navigate this expectation for the best perception.
Insecurity
This module explains the underlying insecurity behind the “male ego” and the corresponding reason for many frustrations and roadblocks encountered by strong and competent women in the workplace. This session helps women understand what men tend to see as disrespect (usually unintended), and what most leads to positive, mutually-respectful relationships.
Visual Distraction Factor
This module helps women workers, managers and mentors understand the reality behind the “visual” male brain wiring, why a certain type of attire can sabotage how a woman is perceived, and how to address this awkward topic with subordinates and mentees for the greatest effectiveness.
Just Be Yourself (Meta-module)
Every session will integrate the truth that men’s top advice for women is to be genuine, confident and competent, and embrace their strengths, rather than feeling a need to change to “be like a man.”