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.