(With references to “Closing the Gender Gap” written by Bonita Banducci, Julie O’Mara, and Jeffrey Wildfogel for the Royal Bank of Canada)

A new Platinum Rule is:

Do unto others as they would like done unto them.

People are different. We need to understand those differences and act in a way that maximizes the value of the differences. When we “do unto others as we would have them do unto us,” we are saying everyone should be treated in the same way we want to be treated. This assumes and values only similarities. Since there are differences between the genders and differences among individuals, treating people as they want to be treated respects differences as well as similarities.

When frustration is decreased and issues resolved, different strengths add value to what people have in common. The added value to a business comes from utilization of a broader range of ideas and competencies. 

Why Close the Gender Gap?

Because not only is it the right thing to do, it’s also good for business. Bringing more women into upper management—closing the gender gap— increases the viewpoints and leadership methods available to the business.

Different Voices from Different Worlds

With few exceptions, gender issues in today’s workplace can be traced to the different ways men and women perceive the world. When women and men perceive the world differently, they think, talk, make decisions and take action differently. These different styles and approaches are to a large extent caused by the different social influences exerted on men and women as they are growing up. 

Because most organizations have been established by men and are directed primarily by men, the prevailing organizational culture is more in alignment with most men’s styles and approaches, rather than with most women’s styles and approaches. 

By understanding the different perceptions and behaviors of women and men and how they can cause misunderstandings, we can:

• Develop and coach desired behavior

• Resolve gender issues

• Contribute value to a business

The chart below, “Different Voices from Different Worlds," provides a guideline for understanding traditional differences between men’s and women’s cultures and perceptions. Increasingly people are becoming “bilingual.” That is, they are versed in and draw on both men’s and women’s world views. When we understand these differences we can have extra insight into what must be done to close the Gender Gap. 

Different Voices from Different Worlds*

This chart summarizes cultural root causes of behaviors of many men and many women.

A word of caution: Use these as guidelines rather than as rules or stereotypes, since not all men or women adhere to these views. 

* The information for this chart has been taken from research by experts in linguistics, anthropology, sociology, and business.