Differences in Approach to Problem-Solving between Men and Women in the Workplace can decrease overall performance if awareness is not practiced.
- Dena Bradford
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
The differences in how men and women approach problem-solving in the workplace can lead to various communication and other issues if those differences are not acknowledged.
Workplace conflict is a given, even in the most structured and well-run businesses. If differing styles between men and women are overlooked, misunderstandings can arise, leading to frustration and inefficiencies in team dynamics. If you find yourself in a power struggle with a member of the opposite during the process of decision-making making, here are some points that you may want to consider:
There is a Difference in Communication Styles Between Men and Women
Men often prefer a more direct approach, focusing on solutions and results.
Men tend to want to get to a solution as quickly as possible and move forward.
While women may emphasize collaboration and discussion. Women tend to focus on all possibilities. This can be a powerful thing to do, and can help navigate challenges that include accounting for a majority of potential obstacles and outcomes. You may hear a woman say something like "have you considered", or "what about this..and..this.."
Decision-Making Processes Differ Between Men and Women
Women may take more time to gather input and consider multiple perspectives before making a decision. Coming to conclusion on decision making processes in this manner may take more time than business leaders want.
In contrast, men might prioritize speed and assertiveness. Without an awareness of these tendencies, teams may struggle with alignment and could miss opportunities for thorough, well-rounded solutions.
Risk Assessment and Gender
Men may be more inclined to embrace risk-taking due to a belief in their ability to navigate challenges, while women might prioritize caution and thorough evaluation.
When these two approaches clash, a female may learn through repeated attempts that her voice is not as valued, and may stop offering innovative solutions. This can cause negative impact to the team and the overall business.
Teams that lack diverse viewpoints may miss opportunities for innovation if they only consider high-risk, high-reward strategies or, conversely, if they become overly cautious and miss out on potential breakthroughs. Balance is truly needed in the space of risk assessment and problem solving.
Men and Women Approach Conflict Resolution Differently
Men may approach conflict with a focus on resolving the issue quickly, whereas women might seek to maintain relationships and/or harmony.
What a man might consider drama or moving too slowly in making a change, a woman may consider part of the natural process of change management.
In a workplace that does not recognize these approaches, conflicts may escalate, creating a toxic environment rather than fostering an atmosphere of collaboration.
Leadership Perceptions Between Men and Women in the Workplace
Traditional perceptions of leadership often align with masculine traits, such as decisiveness and assertiveness.
Problem Identification and Prioritization of Solutions Can Be Different Dependent of Experiences & Perspectives
Men and women may prioritize different aspects of problems, influenced by their experiences and perspectives.
Without recognizing these different viewpoints, teams may fail to identify key issues or innovative solutions that could arise from diverse insights. With two people of equal knowledge on a subject matter, women may begin to shut down and go with the flow, agreeing with the man if she has experienced negative feedback multiple times during problem-solving exercises..
Overall, a lack of awareness regarding any of the above differences can lead to miscommunication, conflict, and missed opportunities for effective collaboration.
A good balance between the strengths of men and women in the workplace is ideal, and recognizing differences in a approach can be a big win for teams that foster balance between the two approaches.
What Communication Issues Secondary to Gender Might Look Like In The Workplace
Men may feel frustrated if conversations seem to deviate from reaching a quick solution, perceiving women's collaborative approach as unnecessary prolonging of discussions. Women might feel dismissed if their desire for thorough exploration is not acknowledged.
Men may interpret women's questions and suggestions as indecisiveness or lack of confidence, while women may view men's directness as aggressive or dismissive.
In situations where communication styles clash, individuals might withdraw from discussions or become more assertive. Men may assert their solutions more forcefully, while women may either withdraw due to feeling unheard or push harder to ensure their viewpoints are considered if she feels the subject is of critical importance. This can further communication issues.
How To Recognize & Change Negative Problem Solving Patterns in the Workplace
Compromise is a key aspect of communication. Over time, both may need to learn to adapt their communication styles. Men could begin to ask more questions and show more patience during discussions, while women may practice being more concise and/or direct in their contributions.
Encourage others to reflect on their communication styles. This leads to more awareness and understanding of different approaches, which can enhance teamwork and collaboration.
If not managed well, these differences may lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or tension in relationships, particularly in professional settings where collaboration is key. Seeing the issue, and then recognizing it each time it happens helps individuals shift from the old ways of doing things.
Are You Dealing With This Issue?
Reflect on your personal approach to problem solving, and then identify what you approach you think the other person may be using. Once you have identified the patterns, it can be helpful to acknowledge what is happening.
One possible solution could be for you to become aware of what is happening, then use active listening and adopt your communication style to mirror aspects of the other person's style.
Be mindful of non-verbal queues and ask clarifying questions to encourage inclusivity. Brainstorming sessions may also be an option where equally skilled team members can collaborate to find solutions.
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