Women in the Workplace: Why Can't Women Get Along in the Office? Explore Intergenerational Conflict Among Women in Workplace

As women of several generations try to co-exist in the workplace, our research shows that women can be their own worst enemies.

"Most of the vicious attacks, passive-aggressive behavior, and unkind remarks I've been subjected to in my life have been initiated by women," said Karel Murray, co-author of "Conquering the Witch Within," her book that shows how two women from different generations – Baby Boomer and Generation Y - interpret difficult workplace issues – and offers strategies for resolving generational conflict.

"Women in business, with constant conflicting impulses, can be their own worst enemies. Thus, our anxiety and strident approach can earn us the title of 'witch.' It's critical that we talk to each other and share wisdom that will help us create a more harmonious work environment and enhance friendships in the workplace," said Murray, who is a recognized expert in human resource management. "The question is, what can business women do about it?"

"Women have a well-deserved reputation for being catty, gossipy, and, well, witchy in the workplace," said co-author Torie Jochims, a fourth-year student at Wartburg College working toward a bachelor's degree in communication arts and writing. "Women are - dare I say it? - worse to one another than men are to them. The root of this psychological complex perhaps comes from a competitive drive stifled by intimidation when working with men or a feeling of more direct competition with women than with men."

The authors offer these tips to help women in business work better with their female counterparts for conflict resolution:

• Stop the gossip and "cattiness" when talking about another person
• Stop being so competitive and underestimating other women; network and recommend women for positions to which they aspire
• Eliminate the drama; apologize when necessary, and then move on
• Minimize confrontation and the need to keep "score"
• Build trust carefully; know the other person well before revealing confidential personal information
  

The book answers such questions as:

• How can a woman get ahead?
• How can a woman succeed in Corporate America?
• How can women achieve work-life balance?
• How can women mentor women?

The book offers interesting insights into such issues as:

• What is she thinking? Working effectively with females
• Conquering the witch within
• Manly bad behavior—hot buttons that drive women crazy
• Balancing work and life—eight tips to help business professionals maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Mentoring matters
• Increasing productivity while reducing stress
• Tips to leaders for building successful teamwork and service

The book has received praise from women in leadership roles.

"What a pleasure to read a book that has concrete advice on how to work with woman effectively. I loved the two different perspectives from a seasoned professional and a young aspiring woman," said Debbie Ashbrook, Director of Business Services and Solutions Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

"I recommend the book to anyone starting out in their careers. It's an eye opener," said Deborah Falcone, Director, Real Estate Vertical Markets, The Wall Street Journal.

About the Authors

Karel Murray, CSP
An accomplished author, humorist and Certified Speaking Professional , Karel presents nationally and internationally. In addition to "Hitting Our Stride: Women, Work, and What Matters," she is the author of "Straight Talk: Getting Off the Curb." Karel is a featured author in Extreme Excellence: Dynamic Interviews with America's Top 10 Performance Experts and publishes a monthly newsletter, Think Forward!®, read by thousands of subscribers. She produces a weekly podcast series with industry experts: www.JustForA MomentPodcast.com.

Torie Jochims
Torie Jochims has been published in Chicago Daily Herald and the Denver Daily News. She works as an editor for the Trumpet, her college's newspaper, and as manager of The Circuit, the online hub for student media at Wartburg. Torie is a lifestyle blogger and a representative for We Speak Now, an organization working to empower young women.

Are you ready to have it all? The truth is women can do it and have it all – it’s not a myth. Women have more opportunities than ever before in the workplace, at home and beyond. approach to life, you’ll laugh, cry and nod in agreement over topics like:

• Tackling fear and the unknown
• What to learn from the reflections of our past without living in it
• Re-discovering the importance of family connections
• Making life-altering decisions by learning from others
• Overcoming career challenges to find success
• Dealing with the next generation and helping them along the way

NOTE: also available as an MP3 download at www.HittingOurStride.net

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Enjoy "Straight Talk: Getting Off the Curb" with lively observations and witty storytelling. With humor and insight, Karel helps you rediscover your beliefs, talents, and desires; and rekindle your enthusiasm and dedication to excellence.

View a video clip from Straight Talk!

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Get unique perspectives from successful businesspeople that will help you expand your understanding of "excellence." The authors—including Karel—bring refreshingly different ideas of what excellence means to them and how they achieved it while offering practical tools that will help you implement their strategies.

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