Mars and Venus in the Workplace

Have they written this book yet? I know they've done a few, huh...they probably have. Nonetheless, I can think of no other place where I am reminded so often and so well of the myriad of differences between men and women. Today, it is striking me with a new clarity as I am dealing with issues from both.

Scene #1- A newer employee at one of our other branches was having some trouble understanding the procedures with which certain tasks are completed. This person is female and tends to react emotionally, as many fine females do. Of course, I had to explain to the men (in simple terms, of course) that she was shooting from the gut and not processing things fully. However, she had us all at our wit's end before I was able to calmly and diplomatically explain the proper procedure to her. Now she is eating out of my hands and her previously brisk behavior is at complete variance with her present demeanor. I think sometimes it just takes another female to know what we are seeking out.

Scene #2- On the flip side, my manager, (who is male) just sent me an e-mail asking about a matter that has been on hold for close to two weeks because I am awaiting additional information. This could be a case of 'too many irons in the fire'. I asked the 3rd party for the information, yet the 3rd party went to someone else to inquire as to the status of the claim. Of course, the claim hasn't been filed yet because I don't have all of the required information.

The fact that there is only one female manager (at any level) in this entire company is not lost on yours truly and could also explain why it's so screwed up. Ok, that was incredibly partial I realize... but you have to understand the Y chromosome shouldn't be allowed total and complete reign! I know of few men, if any, that could properly and/or proudly bestow the title of 'The Great Communicator'. That is a skill that I do believe women have the upper hand with, certainly not all of them I assure you, but many of them. Men bring other characteristics to the table, which is great. But why in blazes can't we even out the playing field more so that we have a delicate and much needed balance? Ok, so this was largely a personal grievance today because I am exhausted from handling everyone else's issues and now needing to tackle my own. And with that, off I go!