Same Words, Different Language: A Proven Guide for Creating Gender Intelligence at Work

I read a very interesting book the other day, "Same Words, Different Language" by Barbara Annis. Ms. Annis bills herself as "the world's leading gender specialist." After reading "Same Words, Different Language," I'm inclined to agree. If you are interested in understanding gender differences and how to deal with them, I suggest you read it too. In the introduction, Ms. Annis says, "I did not write this book to prove that men and women are different...My goal is to take you one step further. I want to give you the `eyes to see' gender difference so you will learn how to overcome the misunderstandings and challenges differences create." I think she succeeds very well. In Chapter 3, Ms. Annis posits, "It's no one's fault. We're just different. We remember things differently. We solve problems differently. We listen differently. We make decisions differently. We prioritize differently. We feel emotions differently. We read emotions differently. We deal with stress differently. We work in teams differently. Sounds pretty bad, huh? But then Ms. Annis goes on to show how we can deal with these differences constructively. I particularly like Chapter 4 - Men's Challenges and Women's Insights, and Chapter 5 - Women's Challenges and Men's Insights. In chapter 4, she lists the five top challenges for men when it comes to working with women that she has uncovered in her research. 1) Men feel they have to be careful. 2) Men feel confused. 3) Men fear harassment charges. 4) Men feel reverse discrimination. 5) Men feel blamed. She explains each challenge in detail and provides insights that both men and women can take from this knowledge. In Chapter 5, she lists the top five challenges for women. 1) Women feel dismissed. 2) Women feel dismissed. 3) Women feel tested. 4) Women feel they have to be like men. 5) Women feel tokenism. Then she explains each challenge in detail and provides insights that both men and women can take from this knowledge. I found these two chapters to be very enlightening. They caused me to stop and question my thoughts on these issues. In short, I found "Same Words, Different Language" to be a straightforward examination of a very complex issue. I think that anyone who works with, or comes into contact with members of the other gender (and that is everybody) would benefit from reading it and applying it's suggestions. Bud Bilanich The Common Sense Guy [...]

This book answered a lot of questions I didn't even know I had. It has given me a much better prospective on how the different sexes think and act. I am now using this information every day at both work and at home, with improved results. This book not only points out the differences, but explains why we think differently and how to use this information to interact. A must read for succeeding at work and at home.

"Barbara's message is brilliant! She delivers powerful insights on a difficult subject. Same Words, Different Language should be a required read for all business leaders."

Barbara Annis shows you how to develop a high performing culture of inclusion. Years of research and practical experience have given Barbara a unique perspective on how to overcome obstacles in organizations. Her inclusive views on how women and men work together most effectively will teach you to develop a leadership context where difference becomes strength.

I can't remember the last time I picked up a book and couldn't put it down. I can't remember the last time I saw myself nodding in agreement, page after page. Same Words, Different Language is a think tank, an energizer, and a call to action. Barbara is a marvel at communicating practical ideas and stories that stick in the mind. Her work promotes new mindsets, new talk, and new behaviour