I am fortunate to work with two extremely smart, talented and wonderful co-workers. I love working with them and we have a high level of respect for each other and our work.
Most days we work together like a fine well-oiled machine. When a client asks a question of the company, and we are together in the same room, we instinctively know who is best qualified to answer the question.
It is similar with the division of work. We seldom ever discuss assigning work because we instinctively know who should do what.
We have many of the same business philosophies, and in the places we do differ, we understand and respect each other’s diverse position. When one of us begins a marketing dialogue the other two can seamlessly keep it on track and moving forward in the same cohesive direction. The whole thing is pretty cool.
However, in one way, we speak a different language. I speak one way and both of them speak another way. I am blunt and direct. No effort is required to understand my message and there are no lines to read between. What you see is what you get.
They are considerably more tactful. More graceful when they disagree with you. For example, in the beginning, when we disagreed, I would hear the explanation and not be certain of the position because they were often so tactful in how they said it.
We have collectively come to define “it” as they play nicer than I do. If you haven’t guessed by now my two partners are female. There is a school of thought that says in general; women play nicer together than men.
The good news is we have learned from each other. I’m working at becoming more diplomatic, and they are trying to be more direct. Often times I no longer need to strain to hear the “it.” I have grown professionally and personally because of the “it” and the benefit of gender diversity, and I think they have as well.
Diversity in the work place is a great thing. So much to learn, and so little time. Thanks partners.
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