48 Chapter 2 Skills for Career Success
Gender Differences
Sometimes, differences between males and females create some
barriers to communication. These barriers may be related to role
expectations. Role expectations are patterns of socially expected
behavior. In other words, people learn to behave the way they think
society expects them to behave. They also expect certain role behaviors
from others.
Certain roles are associated with being male or female. For males,
some of these roles include brother, son, boyfriend, husband, and father.
Female roles include sister, daughter, girlfriend, wife, and mother. Both
men and women also have expectations as to how the opposite sex
should fulfi ll their roles. For instance, some husbands may expect their
wives to cook and do household chores. A girlfriend may expect her
boyfriend to pay for every date.
Role expectations can create confusion. This is because people do
not always agree on the behavior for certain roles. Today, some of the
barriers created by gender differences are diminishing. As society’s
view of male and female roles continues to change, people’s views of role
expectations will change, too.
When Negative Feelings Occur
Every person has negative feelings at times. When you hold back
negative feelings, they may become stronger and more frustrating. You
need to know how to vent your emotions. Even negative feelings can be
communicated in a useful, constructive way.
Handling Negative Feelings
There are many ways you can resolve negative feelings. You must
fi rst wish to communicate effectively and be willing to take the fi rst
steps to resolving these feelings. As you read the following suggestions,
think about yourself. Which of these guidelines would be most helpful
for you?
•
Discuss your negative feelings with the person whose behavior is
bothering you. Do not complain to others until you have spoken
with that person. People who are not involved in a problem usually
cannot do anything about it.
•
Keep a simple issue simple. Do not add other issues to it, building it
up until it becomes a major problem.
•
Do not reopen old issues that have already been settled.
•
Discuss the problem without making nasty comments and
accusations that would hurt the other person. Recognize your own
faults and accept them. Do not blame them on others. Try to be
pleasant rather than grouchy. Help people see that you like them,
even though you do not like their behavior.
Marriage and
Family Therapist
Can you think of other careers
related to the chapter?
Link to
Careers