Deborah Tannen Essay

Men and women possess similarities and difference in thinking. To explain, take communication for example. Research has shown men and women communicate in different manners. Deborah Tannen, Ph.D. who wrote the book entitled “You just don’t understand” highlights the significant facts of how communication styles differ among men and women. Dr. Tannen stated men prefer commanding whereas, women prefer gaining understanding (1990). The fact that separates men and women in communication styles causes the glass-ceiling effects. Dr. Tannen emphasized how men’s metamessages of how women communicate conveys and transmits weakness. Unfortunate for the disadvantages created by women’s communication, it proves the fact there’s a variance of communicating among men and women. Dr. Deborah Tannen

Doctor Tannen highlights the meaning glass ceiling as a means to prevent women from receiving credit and reaching their full potential in life (1994). For example, the chapter entitled “The Glass Ceiling” from Doctor Tannen’s book entitled “Talking from 9 to 5” provided the experience glass ceiling effect on a male co-worker and a female co-worker. The story starts off with Carol who is the female employee. Carol is very good at her job, for a fact Carol went above and beyond what the organization expected of her. Doctor explained that Harold covered Carol’s shift one day (1994). Harold is not as efficient as Carol; but Harold received the credit of Carol’s hard work (Tannen, 1994). Credit misapplied to Harold is an example of the glass ceiling. Doctor Tannen continued the story in explaining why Carol’s supervisors and corporation bestowed her credit upon Harold. Doctor Tannen states the management felt Carol is a woman she doesn’t possess leadership communication (1994). Therefore, Deborah Tannen Ph.D. highlights the sad truth women faces everyday due to their communication