Indirectness Is Not Insecurity

     Deborah Tannen suggests in her  book,"Talk from 9 to 5: How Women’s and Men’s Conversational Styles Affect Who Gets Heard, Who Gets Credit, and What Gets Done at Work," through a essay "Inderectness Is Not Insecurity", that an indirect or soft approach to communicating in the workplace can be just as effective as direct commands because it "soften" the environment. She gives an example of a bald command made from a male manager, Mark, that was made in a meeting. She later inserts a full conversation between a female manager, Kristin, and her subordinate, Mark, which indicated a more indirect approach. Although both points were delivered, I disagree with the indirect claims from Tannen.  I feel that it is a waste of time and efforts to soften the communication in the work place.  I would want any one to be rude, however, the work needs to be done effectively and efficiately.  For a manager to be misunderstood because he or she is expressing themselves indirectly could cost the company money. 

   

     Tanner's example from Mark said, "because that's who you mean, that's what you oughtta say. It's--it will confuse people."  With this statement, Mark was direct in communicating his instructions and cleared up any misunderstand.  He didn't leave any room for misinterpretation.  Yes, it seems as though its easier for men the be more direct because the are known for being a strong figure in the workplace. Females on the other hand, may be more indirect especially with men because they dont' want the males in the workplace to feel like are approaching then aggressively.  Tanner's uses the conversation with Kristin's style when speaking with Charles. Kristin says, " It might be useful--I'm not sure we're gonna show that." She also says, "You might put it in parentheses."  In this indirect approach,  Kristin was not clear and left room open for Charles to misunderstand what she wanted him to do.  She make the conversation larger than need to just bring to Charles attention to put the conversion rate from local currency to dollars.  The conversation was very irritating to read and clearly was a good example of how it is a waste of time to be indirect.