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"Um... so, I was sort of wondering if this project, um, you know, actually falls under, um, my job description?" you mumble, after weeks of complaining about your workload to family and friends. "I mean, of course I'll do it. I was just, you know, um... never mind. I'll have it done by Friday."
Sound familiar?
If you've ever found yourself humming and hawing (or not saying anything at all) over a work-related issue like this, then you probably fall into the spectrum of a surprising majority of women who lack confidence or find it difficult to bring up – and resolve – problems in the office.
The hardest subject to engage in? Negotiating limitations on workload.
This was revealed in an online survey* conducted by leadership expert Joseph Grenny and CEO of Little Pink Book, Cynthia Good. Insights from the poll also found that women struggle to hold important discussions with other women.
Because men are easier to talk to?
Psychologist Helene Vermaak, of corporate training company The Human Edge, says a similar trend exists in South Africa. Vermaak elaborates, “A crucial conversation is open dialogue in the workplace around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics. By learning how to speak and be heard, and therefore encouraging others to do the same, people are able to make high-quality decisions, uncover the best ideas and then act together on the decision or idea.”
Apart from saying no to excessive amounts of work, other issues that women find hardest to discuss in the workplace are:
· Giving performance feedback to someone without hurting his or her feelings or damaging the relationship;
· Asking for a raise or a change in a performance plan related to a raise;
· Not receiving support from other women.
Almost 90% of women fear how they’ll be perceived if they speak up or simply don’t work for an organisation that supports candid dialogue, the study showed. In fact, the majority of us waste an average of 1 to 5 days ruminating or complaining to others about the issue before stepping up and chatting to our managers.
What happens when the conversation goes wrong?
Nearly half admitted a failed high-stakes discussion caused their productivity to drop, and 1 in 5 women said they’ve had a crucial conversation go so poorly they left their job.
“The research shows that women who are skilled at stepping up to difficult issues at work experience greater satisfaction and increased productivity,” says Vermaak.
Click here for tips on how to negotiate your workload with your boss.
*The study collected responses via an online survey tool from 845 individuals. Margin of error is approximately 3%.
Sound familiar?
If you've ever found yourself humming and hawing (or not saying anything at all) over a work-related issue like this, then you probably fall into the spectrum of a surprising majority of women who lack confidence or find it difficult to bring up – and resolve – problems in the office.
The hardest subject to engage in? Negotiating limitations on workload.
This was revealed in an online survey* conducted by leadership expert Joseph Grenny and CEO of Little Pink Book, Cynthia Good. Insights from the poll also found that women struggle to hold important discussions with other women.
Because men are easier to talk to?
Psychologist Helene Vermaak, of corporate training company The Human Edge, says a similar trend exists in South Africa. Vermaak elaborates, “A crucial conversation is open dialogue in the workplace around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics. By learning how to speak and be heard, and therefore encouraging others to do the same, people are able to make high-quality decisions, uncover the best ideas and then act together on the decision or idea.”
Apart from saying no to excessive amounts of work, other issues that women find hardest to discuss in the workplace are:
· Giving performance feedback to someone without hurting his or her feelings or damaging the relationship;
· Asking for a raise or a change in a performance plan related to a raise;
· Not receiving support from other women.
Almost 90% of women fear how they’ll be perceived if they speak up or simply don’t work for an organisation that supports candid dialogue, the study showed. In fact, the majority of us waste an average of 1 to 5 days ruminating or complaining to others about the issue before stepping up and chatting to our managers.
What happens when the conversation goes wrong?
Nearly half admitted a failed high-stakes discussion caused their productivity to drop, and 1 in 5 women said they’ve had a crucial conversation go so poorly they left their job.
“The research shows that women who are skilled at stepping up to difficult issues at work experience greater satisfaction and increased productivity,” says Vermaak.
Click here for tips on how to negotiate your workload with your boss.
*The study collected responses via an online survey tool from 845 individuals. Margin of error is approximately 3%.
