Workshop: Gender, Power and Communication”

Success in academia does not depend on academic merits alone. The way how
academics communicate and lead is equally important. The objective of this workshop
is to create an initial understanding of this core competence - with a particular focus
on gender aspects of leadership styles.
The seminar introduces the concept of “vertical” and ”horizontal” communication (D.
Tannen, P. Modler) in order to understand why - in general perception - men and
women communicate and act differently in a professional setting. Women often feel
that they do not succeed professionally in a similar way as men do. Whereas men
underestimate the need to empower others, women leaders very often hesitate to
apply “status” and “territory” as efficient tools of leadership! The workshop helps
participants to understand their own style of communication with the ultimate aim of
finding the right balance and of employing the right approach in the given context.