Mars and Venus in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting Results at Work (Hardcover)

by John Gray (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Effective communication is a crucial life skill, and John Gray's Mars and Venus series has helped millions peacefully sort out emotional issues in their personal relationships. Now he turns his attention to the professional side of life with Mars and Venus in the Workplace. The concepts remain the same, but are in an entirely new setting; as he says in the introduction, "although gender differences are often not as obvious in the workplace, they are there and are often misunderstood."

Gray proceeds to cover a variety of situations typical on the job, from solving revenue problems to negotiating a raise. With his important points printed in bold type, and plenty of prioritizing lists and straightforward examples, this is an easy read that allows you to focus on finding the solutions you seek, rather than wading through research terminology.

If you are new to Gray's work, the continual gender-based assumptions may feel outdated, but know the author understands that no one is all male or all female and that we all have areas of sensitivity. The recurring gender pronouns are a simple way of teaching us what years of private practice have shown him: humans of both gender can benefit greatly by listening effectively, being verbally straightforward, and analyzing the reactions of others. --Jill Lightner

From Publishers Weekly
Gray made a splash with his bestselling Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus, attributing stereotypical traits to each gender and advising the other how best to respond to or work around these characteristics. Building on that theory, Gray claims that "men and women think, feel, and communicate differently in the workplace," and applies his hypothesis to the business environment. As in his previous books, Gray's writing style is repetitive, bolstering a few simple ideas with plenty of generalizing and gender cliches. While alleging that the traits he assigns to men and women are innate rather than learned or cultural describing them as driven by "instinct," "basic nature" and "a function of one's level of testosterone" he offers no proof of this theory, simply assuming that his audience trusts his presumptions. Many of Gray's sweeping statements don't ring true, e.g., his assertions that men don't mind being interrupted while women do, or that women care about relationships, not competence, where they work. Gray does offer some generic, useful advice, such as keeping personal emotions out of the workplace while making sure that one's personal life provides stress relief and opportunities for self-expression. In identifying common personality types and traits, though, Gray might have simply said that some people are Venusians while others are Martians, instead of using tiresome gender stereotypes. While he's unlikely to win new converts with this rehash of his now familiar material, Gray's faithful fans will not be disappointed. Agent, Linda Michaels.

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (December 24, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006019796X
• ISBN-13: 978-0060197964
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.7 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #542,796 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another outstanding mars venus book, March 15, 2002

By	Deborah Filler (Toronto,Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mars and Venus in the Workplace: A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting Results at Work (Audio Cassette)

Dr Gray has done it again...another outstanding book.His insights have assisted me with my male(martians)client.My practice is now brimming with males....because I now understand not to give unsolicited advice...but rather ask better questions.The tools and skills should be taught in schools.I wish I had of know the differences when I first started out in the workplace.Bravo Dr Gray...
It is truly amazing how little changes make such big differences.The quality of my relationships since using the mars venus principles has gone to levels I had never dreamed of!
As a single parent with two boys,I am grateful for all the knowledge and practical advice....It is wonderful to have such a close connection with them.
I would suggest everyone in the workplace read this.How wonderful to go back to basics,courtsey,shivilery.I could only image how much more pleasant,loving and caring the world would be if everyone adopted Grays work!
Keep up the much needed work! God bless him for trying to open peoples eyes and hearts!!!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Of COURSE we're different!!, April 7, 2002

By	David Weir, MBA (Tampa, FL United States) - See all my reviews

The biggest thing missing from my MBA education was learning how to interact with other people. Business is nothing if we can't communicate effectively and regularly. This book explains in clear terms how men can understand women and communicate effectively. We men can't talk to women the way we do with other men. We are very different. By following Dr. Gray's guidelines, men can learn how to earn the trust and respect of female co-workers. We can learn easy ways to speak the woman's language and understand her perceptions. The most fascinating aspect is the description of women's emotions, what they mean, and positive responses men can use to increase productivity and create a pleasant workplace. Working in harmony is the only way to go.

I should think that this book can be especially helpful to women, as they are basically working in a world that has been designed and run by men. As Dr. Gray says, a woman's challenge in the workplace is greater than a man's. While the books and research of Gail Evans and Dr. Deborah Tannen and others have described gender differences, this book by Dr. Gray sheds light on many aspects of workplace problems and offers solutions that are easy, respectful, effective, and even fun.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Workplace is right on!, March 14, 2002

By A Customer

I found myself underlining everything! In true J.G. fashion, he has described the human condition, and the way we interact.I thought it was brilliant, and very helpful in particular for understanding myself and the opposite sex in regards to problems solving and dealing with stress.