Continuing Thoughts

After reading a recent article in The New York Times (online, "Cracking the Male Code," Feb. 5, 2010, by Shaunti Feldhahn; in print, Feb.6, 2011, p. BU10, New York ed.), I decided to use this forum to continue the discussion about gender gap in public relations. I invite others to do the same. This forum could be a valuable resource if we keep current the content and sustain the discussion.

Shaunti Feldhan, author of
The Male Factor: the Unwritten Rules,
Misperceptions, and Secret Beliefs
of Men in the Workplace.” (Photo by Robin
Nelson for The New York Times)

In terms of cracking the male code, writer Feldhan asked, "Are you a talented professional woman who feels a bit stuck or frustrated at work? Maybe you simply don’t understand your male co-workers and bosses — or they don’t understand you." 

Feldhahn's message seems to be that many women are confined by the "glass ceiling" by even the most ethical and gender-conscious leaders and organizations. The problem often comes down to the different ways that the male and female brains function, which creates mis-perceptions. These mis-perceptions influence men to misread women; and inhibit the ability of women to recognize and act on mis-perceptions of their intentions, actions, meaning, etc.

Feldhahn used an example from her experience to illustrate her point. "I recently talked with the male boss of a team made up mostly of women, "Feldhan recounted." When I asked whether he’d ever seen a talented woman do something he viewed as hurting her chances for advancement, he nodded — then chose his words carefully. While he said women should take things less personally and consider how men might view their approach, he added that some women take this too far — and try to be just like men." Feldhahn then added, "'If it’s not genuine for them, it’s actually distracting,' he said."

In closing, Feldhahn offered this advice:

"Despite the sometimes awkward subject matter, a vast majority of men I’ve interviewed have great good will toward women. Most are willing to talk to me in candid detail because they have seen these hidden obstacles affect their wives, daughters and co-workers and sincerely want to help women advance. And I have been encouraged to see that once we are aware of these obstacles, they can be overcome."