Breaking Through Bias: Communication Techniques for Women to Succeed at Work

There are a lot of books written about this topic, but none of them that I have read (or seen, for that matter) are as practical or as well-structured as this one -- nor have I seen anything on this topic written by a man and woman together. Although the book focuses on communication techniques in a business setting, I actually thought the application of these techniques is much broader. My favorite aspects include: - The end of each chapter lists USEFUL (not just fluffy) "take-aways," giving readers the tools they need to apply the information described in each chapter. Each one is like a "to do" list of things to try. - Vignettes appear throughout the book that describe real-life situations where one of the authors encountered someone (typically in a mentoring context) dealing with the issues raised in that chapter. - The authors confess and address their own challenge and struggles with different biases. I was so impressed with how honest and authentic they are about their experience. That added so much to the value of the book, without being overwhelming. - Although I'm not an academic (and I don't think the authors are either), I respect the amount of research and analysis that went into this book. There are numerous quotations to academic journals -- not just other business advice-filled memoirs. - This book addresses some significant issues that are usually otherwise avoided, including discussing stereotypes that women have against other women and bullying. Things I wish the book included: - A workbook to go with it or a guided journal to help track progress and growth in each area. - Discussion questions for reading this in a group setting - I think this would be great to use for coaching/mentoring groups or corporate book clubs with a professional theme. - Expanded discussions about parenthood in the workplace, and more of the male perspective (most of the other chapters were pretty even, but the "Work and the Rest of Your Life" chapter seemed more focused on the issues that mothers face. - Some of the quizzes referenced in the "Key Takeaways" part at the end of each chapter - or just one website with links to all of them. Some of them looked really interesting, but it was a struggle to type in the long addresses. Overall, I an easy but valuable read - you could get through this on a plane (I did!) and finish it being inspired, with a roadmap of practice advice to try.

In this presidential election year, discussions about Hillary Clinton show the value of understanding attuned gender communication. The popular press focuses on the impression Clinton gives to others, not about her abilities to serve as president. On a recent radio show, for example, an attorney criticized Clinton by saying she “screams” and is “shrill”. The host pointed out that Bernie Sanders always screams, but no one comments on this or refers to Sanders as “shrill”. What was particularly telling about this exchange was that the attorney was a woman and the radio host a man. Women also hold gender stereotypes. This might be the year we elect our first female president, but the campaign season shows us that implicit bias is alive and well, further emphasizing why the techniques set out in Breaking Through Bias can help women overcome them. Breaking Through Bias provides women with an integrated series of actionable steps--what the authors call “attuned gender communication”--to avoid or overcome career bias women face because of traditional gender stereotypes. Key steps include maintaining and strengthening the right attitudes for success, which they contend are grit; a positive perspective on your abilities; a coping sense of humor; and a confident attitude about your power and potential. In addition they cite high self-awareness; a commitment to managing the impressions you make on others; and the ability to use the totality of your verbal, nonverbal and written communication to maintain or change (if you’re not making the impression you want to make) the impressions you make on others.

Conscious and unconscious biases lurk in everyone’s minds and affect behavior at different levels. We use shortcuts to quickly stereotype, evaluate and act in various situations. Breaking Through Bias helps men and women navigate the field of gender based biases in the workplace, and advance professionally with a tool box of valuable skills. Andie Kramer and Al Harris have written a practical guide in a very readable style, backed by solid research and years of experience as seasoned promoters of gender equality. They address the results of gender biases and inequality in depth, but they also talk about managing impressions, effects of attitude on professional growth, use of humor in awkward situations, non-verbal behavior and several other communication techniques. Anecdotes, based on the authors’ personal experiences effectively illustrate key messages in each chapter, and are evidence of how they have ‘walked the talk’. Al’s insights are invaluable and Andie’s years as a champion of workplace diversity add unparalleled depth to her advice. This is a down to earth, well researched script for professionals of any gender to overcome hurdles in the path to success.

This is an excellent book which will prove to be the ultimate reference on this (unfortunately) timely issue of gender bias. Presented in a way which is both scientific - backed with recent studies worldwide, and humanistic - with many personal case histories, Andie and Al lay out the historical and professional context of bias, as well as the perceptions of women themselves in confronting this barrier. What is particularly useful is the practical solutions they offer to surmount stereotypes and bypass hurdles, chapter by chapter. The depth of their research is impressive. Breaking through Bias should be required reading for all 'gatekeepers' in management and human resources as well as for headhunters, and university, law and medical school advisors. I only hope that it will be translated into many languages so that it can be of the most benefit internationally, and make the impact so clearly needed. I am an author and tour guide based in Paris, and look forward to being able to offer Breaking through Bias to my friends and colleagues in French very soon.

“Breaking Through Bias is written in a practical approach to discussing the experience women have and obstacles they face in the professional world. It provides valuable insight into professional work spaces and has many takeaways for both men and women readers. It has discussions, amongst others, that demand we self-analyse ourselves and see if we pick up on verbal and non-verbal cues of others, recognise how we present ourselves (and also recognise how others may present themselves) and consider different approaches depending on the situation, and most importantly be aware of the stereotypes and issues faced by women in the work place. Most importantly, and from a male perspective, I think it makes you aware of inadvertent and unintended ways women may be marginalised or minimised in the work place. It is a must read for anyone that manages people in the 21st century.”

"Breaking Through Bias: Communication Techniques for Women to Succeed at Work" combines top notch writing and research into the impact of gender bias on women's careers with excellent, specific and practical suggestions on how women can use "attuned gender communication" to achieve success notwithstanding the challenges. While written from a US perspective, it is a must-read for Canadian female executives as well!